Despite mounting international pressure, Israel contines to attack Gaza. The apartheid wall, the mounting death toll and the general disregard for human rights and international law characterize the current state of affairs.

We are a coalition of civil society members with diverse backgrounds who all believe that Palestinians have a right to self-determination and freedom of movement.

We work with many groups and organizations around the world to bring justice to Gaza. Since 2008, Israel has launched three full-scale attacks on the isolated Gaza Strip. In 2014, Israel's attack resulted in more Palestinians dying than in the previous two campaigns combined. These are not measured or justified responses. This is a systematic genocide that many governments allow to continue. Palestinians in Gaza are forced to live in constant fear. For the thousands still homeless, living in an economy that is shattered, the aftermath is lived on a daily basis.

The trauma to the people living in Gaza will have an aftershock like we have never felt before.

The Freedom Flotilla III Coalition will again sail to bring civil society to the shores of Gaza in another attempt to end this illegal blockade. Our goal is to bring the plight of the Palestinians of Gaza to the forefront of world scrutiny. The first step has already been taken as the Swedish ship, Marianne, set sail.

A December 2014 statement on the Flotilla's website reads:

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel is not being held accountable for the damage it caused during its assault on the strip nor for the commitments it made as a part of the Egyptian brokered agreement to end hostilities. The port of Gaza remains closed and borders remain blocked and Palestinians in Gaza continue to be denied their basic right to freedom of movement. Gaza continues to suffer from the lack of basic supplies and materials needed for daily life let alone rebuilding what Israel damaged during its July/August assault. The international community did not meet the obligations it made to Gaza after the assault either."

How long will we let this illegal blockade, the inhumane suffering and the largest open air prison in history to continue?

Soon, the Freedom Flotilla will challenge the illegal blockade of 1.8 million citizens of Palestine. We must insist that Israel's policies of apartheid and tyranny cease and desist. These policies are well past their due date.

Join the movement for truth. Please follow the lead of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and stay aware of a legitimate nonviolent confrontation of oppression.

Together, we can make a difference. Join us at www.canadaboatgaza.org.

Image: Wikimedia Commons