Ramallah – September 18, 2016: The Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD) welcomes the initiative “Women’s Boat to Gaza” as two ships set sail from the shores of Lisbon, Spain to make stops at several European coasts heading towards the Gaza Strip. This comes as another attempt to break the inhumane Israeli siege and blockade enforced over the Gaza Strip since 2007.
The organization expresses its great appreciation for this unique initiative by women, and the message shared by all women involved of highlighting Palestinian suffering in the Strip, where people are living under siege over land, sea, and air. This message of solidarity and hope comes after continued failure by the international community and institutions to fulfil their commitments towards Palestinians.
PWWSD notes that the ships “Amal” and “Zaytouna” are unique for having all-women crews. This sends a powerful message that women around the world have an essential role in political, social, and economic life.
The organization hopes both ships Amal and Zaytouna will make it to the Strip safely without being stopped by Israeli occupation forces. PWWSD also demands that the international community and the European Union ensure the safe arrival of both ships to Gaza.
The organization affirms that women’s mobilization despite knowing the dangers of this voyage and threats by the Israeli occupation shows that resistance will continue until the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip ends completely. A blockade that has pushed a large portion of the population under the poverty line due to Israeli aggression.
End of statement.