Women Prepared To Break The Siege Of Gaza

international | anti-war | other press Sunday July 25, 2010 15:48 by Dorothy Gale

Mona Alami writes on how The Maryam is waiting to sail to Occupied Gaza. This all female group comprises 50 aid workers including US Nuns. Full story at link.

The Maryam, an all-female Lebanese aid ship, currently docked in the northern Lebanese port of Tripoli, is getting ready to set sail for Gaza in the next few days. The ship, which aims to break Israel's siege on the Palestinian territory, will carry about fifty aid workers, including some US nuns keen to deliver aid to the long-suffering women and children of Gaza.

"The ship will transport cancer medicine and other necessary items for women and children. We will not carry any weapons or terrorists, irrespective of what the Israeli army might say," says Hajj.

While they wait to set sail, the headquarters of the Maryam remains agog with activity as women from different backgrounds, political affiliations, nationalities and religious beliefs converse, argue and joke.

"All women traveling on the ship have taken on the name 'Maryam' and are distinguishable by a number, like 'Maryam 1,' 'Maryam 2,' etc. We prefer to keep identities secret to avoid pressure from respective embassies," adds Hajj.