It dedicates its profits to rebuilding Al-Karama Hospital in Gaza. Conceived by Palestinian businessman and activist Osama Qashoo in England, the beverage has sold over 500,000 cans, with proceeds dedicated to rebuilding Gaza’s Al-Karama Hospital maternity ward. 

This unique cola is marketed as a direct challenge to global brands accused of supporting the Israeli military.

The beverage was born out of Qashoo's desire to commemorate the lives of Palestinian children lost during Israeli attacks on Gaza.

“I want every sip to remind people of Palestine’s struggle,” he said, according to Turkish media outlet Halk TV. 

By consuming Cola Gaza, supporters are encouraged to engage in a more significant movement that combines ethical consumption with activism.

The cola’s motto, “Genocide-Free Cola,” underscores its moral stance, contrasting with brands like Coca-Cola that Qashoo claims indirectly fund Israeli military actions. 

Advertisements emphasize this ethical agenda, inspiring consumers to think critically about where their money goes.

Proceeds from Cola Gaza sales are funnelled into reconstructing the maternity ward of Al-Karama Hospital, located northwest of Gaza City. 

The Israeli war on Gaza has devastated Gaza’s health system, leaving 95 percent of pregnant or breastfeeding women in Gaza to face "severe food poverty,” according to UNICEF.

Doctors had been “reporting that they no longer see normal-sized babies," said Dominic Allen, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) representative for the state of Palestine.

Women and children are frequently the most affected by wars, but in the case of the Israeli war on Gaza, the suffering endured by Palestinian women and children is indescribable.

By purchasing Cola Gaza, supporters contribute directly to addressing Gaza’s critical humanitarian needs.

Initially introduced in Qashoo’s three London-based restaurants, Cola Gaza has since expanded its distribution through Muslim-owned retailers across the UK, including Manchester-based Al Aqsa, which recently sold out. Despite its limited reach in mainstream supermarkets, demand has surged online, where six-packs are sold for £12 ($15).

While Cola Gaza shares a sweet-and-sour profile with Coca-Cola, Qashoo insists the recipe is unique. The beverage is manufactured in Poland and imported to England, reflecting a meticulous production process despite Qashoo’s lack of experience in the drink industry. “It was a tough and painful process,” he admitted, as reported by Haberler. However, he refused to compromise on the brand’s identity, which prominently features Palestinian flags and symbols.

Cola Gaza’s launch is part of a broader boycott movement targeting companies perceived to support Israel’s military activities. Coca-Cola, which operates a facility in Jerusalem’s Atarot industrial zone — an area over the Green Line — has faced heightened scrutiny and boycotts since October 2023. Qashoo’s initiative seeks to amplify this effort by creating a viable alternative that aligns with its consumers' ethical priorities.

“Cola Gaza is more than a drink; it’s a statement,” Qashoo said, adding that the initiative aims to deal a financial blow to major corporations like Coca-Cola while raising global awareness about the Palestinian cause.

Despite the logistical and financial hurdles, Qashoo remains steadfast in his mission. “The number of people boycotting Israeli companies is increasing,” he noted, emphasizing that his brand represents a growing consumer awareness about the ties between corporate revenues and geopolitical conflicts.

As Cola Gaza gains traction, it is a testament to how grassroots initiatives can intertwine activism, commerce, and humanitarian aid. Whether it will become a mainstay in the global market or remain a niche product, its impact on the conversation surrounding ethical consumption is undeniable.