Others highlighted potential environmental concerns, including plastic waste, microplastic pollution, threats to marine life and possible damage to coral ecosystems.
AN international videographer triggered debate online after posting a video of himself aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, showing him throwing miniature chocolates into the sea in what he described as a symbolic gesture of hope for children in Gaza.
In a video shared on his Threads account, @haroqs, titled “Hope the chocolates will reach the children in Gaza”, he appeared to throw what looked like miniature assorted strawberry chocolates into the ocean.
READ MORE: Viral video triggers concern over alleged mushroom vape abuse among youths
The video also carried the caption: “Keep sending chocolate to the kids in Gaza, even though our radio transmission is being jammed.”
However, the act quickly drew criticism from netizens, many of whom argued that the gesture, despite its intentions, could contribute to marine pollution and potentially harm wildlife.
One commenter wrote: “Wrong action. Even if you could not send it to Gaza, love the environment.”
The commenter highlighted potential environmental concerns, including plastic waste, microplastic pollution, threats to marine life and possible damage to coral ecosystems.
One user quipped that the act might even attract criticism from environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
Another user questioned: “What if fish or turtles eat this?”
Others were more direct in their criticism.
“This is so wrong. Even if you want to do good, use common sense. This is considered littering and will end up harming marine life. It’s plastic, if fish do not eat it, birds will,” one commenter wrote.
Some users suggested alternative approaches, including keeping the chocolates and distributing them to those in need instead.
“Otherwise, use them as your backup energy,” the user commented.
Around four hours later, Haroqs issued an apology on social media.
“Maaf andai perbuatan saya mencampakkan coklat di tengah laut adalah tidak sopan dan mencemarkan kehidupan laut. Saya sedar saya manusia yang kurang cerdik saya cuma tiada pilihan lain untuk sampai coklat ke anak-anak G,” he wrote.
(“I apologise if my action of throwing chocolates into the middle of the sea was inappropriate and harmful to marine life. I realise I may not be very smart, but I felt I had no other way to send chocolates to the children in Gaza.”)
He also said:
“Dengan cara apa sekalipun saya buat mungkin anda tidak senang… Saya hanya berharap Allah menyampaikan coklat ini ke anak-anak di G. Keep going Allah with us.”
(“Whatever I do may upset some people… I only hoped Allah would deliver the chocolates to the children in Gaza. Keep going, Allah is with us.”)
Despite the backlash, some users defended him, saying they understood the sentiment behind the gesture even if they disagreed with the method.
Others clarified that their criticism was directed at the environmental impact rather than his intentions.
Several commenters also expressed support and wished Haroqs and others aboard the flotilla a safe journey to Gaza.
