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.

Jeff Hurford of Cardiff Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) said: “This is the first time the Handala has called in Wales.

“There is a significant Palestinian population here, so it will be a real show of solidarity.

“The flotilla’s arrival and subsequent events in Cardiff aim to show Welsh people stand with Palestinians in their struggle for justice and self-determination.”

The FFC was formed to co-ordinate numerous local campaigns in maritime efforts to end the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Cardiff PSC member Clive Haswell is part of the Handala’s crew for the voyage from Dublin, taking in Liverpool, Waterford, Cardiff and then Bristol. 

On Saturday, events in Cardiff include a picket of Barclays Bank between 11am and 1pm in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign, a picnic in Bute Park at 2pm and a public meeting in the Temple of Peace at 7pm with guest speaker Beth Winter MP.

While docked in Cardiff Bay, the Handala will be open to visitors on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.