KUCHING: Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah slammed Israel’s move to block the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it inhumane, while praising Malaysians who took part in the humanitarian mission.
The Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development expressed deep sadness over the escalating conflict, stressing that women, children and other civilians have been the worst affected.
Drawing parallels to historical injustices such as the Second World War, the apartheid in South Africa and the Holocaust, he said lessons from those tragedies have seemingly been ignored in the present crisis.
“Whether you are a Jew, Christian, or Muslim, there must be within you a conscience – a sense of caring for humanity. Even animals sometimes show more care for their young than humans do.
“They will not kill the way the perpetrators in Gaza are doing,” he told reporters during a press conference on the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 at the Waterfront Hotel today.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, commended Malaysian activists who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission carrying food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Gaza.
However, he noted the flotilla was blocked before reaching the coastline.
“We are very happy to see Malaysians participating, including two from Sabah, although none are from Sarawak. We hope there will be no injuries, accidents, or tragedies for those involved,” he said, adding that about 200 activists are taking part.
He further criticised Israel’s military actions following the October 7 attacks, pointing out that while Israeli forces labeled Hamas and Palestinians as “human animals”, their own conduct has been far worse.
“I think if you look deeper, they are the ones who deserve to be called human animals. Human beings don’t act like that. Even animals don’t act like that,” he said.
Abdul Karim also saluted the resilience of Palestinians, noting their ability to endure more than two years of daily bombings.
He called for continued support for the Palestinian people and urged reflection on the historical roots of the conflict, citing decisions made in 1947-48 that he said are now shaped by Western powers.
