PALESTINE solidarity campaigners in Cardiff are ready to welcome a boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) when it sails into the Welsh port later this week.

The refitted Norwegian fishing vessel, named the Handala in honour of the emblematic Palestinian refugee cartoon child drawn by Naji al-Ali, is due to arrive in Cardiff Bay on Friday to raise awareness of Israel’s inhumane 16-year blockade of the Gaza Strip. 

The vessel, which will sail to Gaza next year, is on a European tour to draw attention to the difficult conditions endured by the besieged coastal enclave’s children, who make up more than half of its residents.