On International Women’s Day, March 8, The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) announced in Messina and Palermo, Sicily, Italy, the launch of its latest initiative, The Women’s Boat to Gaza (WBG).

More than 1.5 million people, mostly under the age of 20, struggle in Gaza to exist under Israeli occupation. Israel continues to defy international law, with the support of many complicit governments. It is estimated that by 2020, Gaza will be uninhabitable. This is an undeniable crime against humanity.

The Women’s Boat to Gaza is a non-violent intervention with the goal of breaking the siege and will be composed entirely of women. Women will set sail in late 2016 to break the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza.

Women’s Boat to Gaza:  A message of hope and solidarity

The Women's Boat to Gaza is a Freedom Flotilla Coalition initiative. By launching a women’s boat, women from all over the world aim to highlight the undeniable contributions and indomitable spirit of Palestinian women who have been central within the Palestinian struggle in Gaza, the West Bank, inside the Green Line and in the diaspora.

Gaza has been under Israeli blockade for the past decade during which Israel has also launched countless attacks against the besieged population, turning their life into a nightmare and a continuous struggle. The physical wars have not only invaded the economies, markets and the land of Gaza, but have raided and assaulted homes, families, schools, national liberaries and museums, destroying civilization, heritage, culture, memory and hopes.

Through Freedom Flotillas and other naval missions we have brought international attention to their suffering and their resistance.

The Women's Boat to Gaza (WBG) seeks not only to challenge the Israeli blockade but to also show solidarity and bring a message of hope to the Palestinian people. With the support of women, men, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and from women's collectives and events around the world, we will make this happen.

* FFC is composed of civil society organizations and initiatives from many countries. They have been challenging the illegal and inhuman Israeli blockade of Gaza for years and are committed to continue the struggle until the blockade is unconditionally lifted and the Palestinian people everywhere regain their full rights.

For more information please visit the organisation's website: wbg.freedomflotilla.org/