At 8am GMT, the community of Messina, Italy welcomed the participants on board the Woman’s Boat for Gaza, Zaytouna-Oliva, on their arrival from Ajaccio, France.

Zaytouna-Oliva is scheduled to leave Messina next week for Gaza, Palestine.

Lucia Intruglio, the local organizer of the boat in Messina expressed his feelings: “We have been waiting eagerly for our sisters to arrive and have a variety of activities to celebrate their mission.”

UPDATE: Zaytouna-Oliva just arrived to Messina, last port before Gaza. ¡Together, we are breaking the siege on Gaza! #WomenToGaza pic.twitter.com/xvmA3KqLgz

— Freedom Flotilla (@GazaFFlotilla) September 23, 2016

During their stay, the women will participate in non-violence training and meet with citizens, student groups and the Mayor of Messina.

Intruglio stressed that: “the participants will get plenty of rest, as we know that it is a long difficult journey and we want them to leave Messina refreshed for this important next leg.”

(Women’s Boat to Gaza, PC)