Demonstrators call on U.S. to end support for Israel ahead of Trump’s visit to Malaysia.

On Friday, thousands of people joined a massive demonstration in Kuala Lumpur to denounce Israel’s detention of 473 crew members, including 23 Malaysians, aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was sailing toward Gaza with humanitarian aid.

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The protest, organized by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM), took place outside the U.S. Embassy.

Over 5,000 people shielded themselves from the downpour with green and red umbrellas while waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that read “We are all Global Sumud.”

“Flotilla volunteers do not carry weapons or kill anyone; they bring food, drinks and medicine to Gaza. How can they be called terrorists? That is a gross and offensive claim!” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters from a mosque in the capital.

Protesters delivered a memorandum to a U.S. diplomatic representative in Kuala Lumpur demanding that Washington halt its “political, economic and military support” for Israel and back initiatives in international institutions and mechanisms to hold the Zionist government accountable.

The demands toward the United States come as President Donald Trump is expected to attend the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders’ summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct. 26 to 28, a visit that has already stirred unease and rejection among some sectors of Malaysian society.

Hundreds of people had already mobilized the day before in the Malaysian capital to denounce the interception of the flotilla, marching from a central point in the city to the U.S. Embassy. Malaysian media reported some incidents between civilians and police during that smaller demonstration.

“Malaysia will use all legitimate and legal means at our disposal to ensure Israel is held accountable, especially on matters concerning Malaysian citizens,” Anwar said on Thursday.

Israel began intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla on Wednesday afternoon. A total of 473 crew members were detained and transferred to Saharonim Prison in the Negev Desert in southern Israel.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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