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Dubai: Just over two weeks ago, people around the world watched from their TV sets as a group of peace activists set sail from Cyprus to end a year-long blockade that has paralysed the economy of Gaza.
Despite calls from aid agencies and human rights groups to end the humanitarian crisis, Israel has continued the blockade, maintaining that Hamas is a "terrorist" organisation that aims to destroy Israel.
Gulf News spoke with one activist, a woman with a track-record of bravery and intrigue.
Yvonne Ridley is a British journalist and author who made headlines in 2001 when she was captured by the Taliban while on assignment. She was released 11 days later, promising her captors that she would read the Quran. Little did she know that promise would change her life.
She subsequently embraced Islam and now spends much of her time travelling the world speaking about her experience and defending her religion.
Always vocal
But long before her conversion, Ridley was always vocal about the Palestinian issue. Earlier this year, she learned of the Free Gaza Boat campaign during a speaking tour in San Francisco, and was invited to take part.
The task at hand was risky, but Ridley along with 43 other activists decided to brave the storm and board the boat. "The crew and passengers were absolutely amazing," she said.
Before embarking the passengers were warned that the Israeli navy would be conducting military exercises within a 35 mile radius of the coastline. "We were given the opportunity to disembark, but not one of us faltered," she said.
Ridley recalled a specific encounter with a young Syrian seaman at the port of Larnaca, just before embarking, that motivated her to go on with her mission.
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