KUALA LUMPUR: Chants of "Netanyahu you can hide, we can charge you for genocide" echoed throughout the city centre as more than 1,000 Malaysians joined the 'Global Day of Action, Ceasefire Now, Stop the War on Gaza' rally near the US Embassy, here today.
The gathering that saw Malaysians pooled together with foreign nationals in sweltering heat was part of a united front of global voices calling for an unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Approximately 100 police personnel and patrol cars were sighted to safeguard the protesters around the perimeters.
More than 20 speakers including Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement Malaysia chairman Professor Dr Nazari Ismail and PKR vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar are expected to address the crowd that is scheduled to gather until 3pm today.
Speaking to reporters, Ledang federal lawmaker who also attended the gathering said that its a collective voice regardless of racial or political background calling for the halt of Israel's genocidal acts, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"This is proof that the fight for the Palestinian freedom crosses any political border as it is actually a humanitarian cause rather than anything else," he said.
Apart from speeches, the event will feature a few flashmobs organised by non-governmental organisations (NGO).
Two days ago, it was reported that The Malaysian Youth Council called on all Malaysians to participate in the "Global Day of Action for Gaza: Ceasefire Now, Stop the War on Gaza" gathering on Saturday to show support and solidarity to Gazans.
Its information chief Mohamad Fazril Mohd Saleh said this was a call for a lasting ceasefire to stop the genocide and end Israel's occupation as well as its apartheid policies.
Mohamad Fazril said the rising death toll of Palestinians has now exceeded 20,000 people, including women, children, the elderly, journalists, and United Nations (UN) personnel, with many more still missing or presumed dead.