By Yossi Schwartz, Internationalist Socialist League (RCIT Section in Israel/Occupied Palestine), 27 June 2026

 

 

 

On 21 June I interviewed Zohar Chamberlain Regev, the only Israeli citizen who participated in the Gaza Flotilla that attempted to reach Gaza and deliver human needs.

 

The flotilla that was attacked by the Zionist pirate navy 300 km away from Israel was organized by two human right large coalitions – the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) activists.

 

In response to a direct call from Palestinians in Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla mobilized again, on land and at sea, with thousands of participants, more than a hundred boats, hundreds of trucks, and expanded goals. In the previous attempt to enter Gaza by land they were stopped by the Egypt army of the Al-Sisi dictatorship.

 

The mission not only aims to break Israel's illegal siege and deliver life-saving humanitarian aid, but also to establish a sustained civilian presence. Teams of doctors, nurses, eco-builders, war crimes investigators, unarmed civilian protectors and others will disembark to work alongside the Palestinian people. As they continue to endure the Israeli regime's ongoing attacks, the goal is to begin rebuilding healthcare systems and basic infrastructure destroyed over the past two years.

 

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) activists are members of an international grassroots movement that organizes non-violent direct actions and sea voyages to challenge the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Seeking to deliver humanitarian aid and international solidarity, these campaigns regularly draw significant global attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 

In recent actions, Israeli forces intercepted civilian vessels carrying international volunteers in international waters. Volunteers were temporarily detained in facilities such as the Ktziot Prison before being deported to their home countries. Participants span many nationalities, and the coalition frequently campaigns to pressure global governments into holding Israel accountable for its maritime blockades and the treatment of civilian activists.

 

Zohar is a long-time solidarity activist. She was the owner of the Women’s Boat to Gaza Zaytouna-Oliva, seized in 2016 and the object of court proceedings in Israel. She has been a member of the Freedom Flotilla’s steering committee for many years, and she was the boat leader on board Al Awda (The Return) during our 2018 “Right to a Just Future for Palestine” Flotilla mission. She currently lives in Germany.

 

The Internationalist Socialist League (RCIT Section in Israel/Occupied Palestine) welcomes all solidarity activities with the Palestinian people and stands in full solidarity with all activists persecuted by the Zionist state.

 

 

 

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Question: What is the difference between these two coalitions and why do they not unite?

 

Answer: They were formed in different times. The Global Sumud Flotilla is trying to reach Gaza also by land. They are not a party and there is no joined program. Different people have different views. People are coming from different countries and of different nationalities. What unite us is the struggle for the human rights of the Palestinians violated by Israel. I hope one day we will unite.

 

Q: Was there one or two Flotillas?

 

A: One that was attacked twice.

 

Q: I understand that you are for one democratic Palestine from the river to the sea?

 

A: Yes, the Jewish people do not have the right to take a land that belongs to the Palestinians or any other nations.

 

Q: I think I saw your picture on the ship shouting long live Palestine and beaten for it?

 

A: It was not me but a woman I know well.

 

Q: What happened in the trial?

 

They charge me with illegal entry to a military zone but could not prove it as I was arrested 300 km away from Israel.