Kathy Greaves, an American activist from California and Virginia, is participating in the international solidarity flotilla Sumud, which set sail on September 7 with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid, including food and medicine. 

Departing from ports including Barcelona, Genoa, Tunis, and Greece, the flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by mid-September, navigating international waters off Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Gaza. Israeli authorities have threatened to arrest participants as the flotilla approaches Gaza’s shores.

In this interview, Greaves shares her motivations for joining the mission, her perspective on U.S. and Israeli policies in the region, and her message to the Iranian people amid ongoing sanctions and geopolitical pressures. She speaks candidly about the risks involved, her critique of Western policies, and her commitment to justice and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people.

Below is the text of the interview:

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us why you are attempting another voyage to Gaza?

My name is Kathy Greaves, and I'm from the United States, specifically California and Virginia.

I'm embarking on my fifth voyage to attempt entry into Gaza. I successfully entered Gaza in 2008 and had a truly wonderful week there. I firmly believe that it can happen again, even given the recent events in Gaza. We need to get in. We need to get aid in. The blockade must be broken. My major concern is that Gazans have no right to freedom of movement – to come and go as they please.

They are in desperate need of aid, obviously. And ever since I understood the Zionist project, I've been deeply upset with my government's involvement – or rather, its subservience. We've essentially been taken over by this entity.

Our country is, in effect, following Zionism as a political agenda. That's why I'm going – to try to inform people in my country about what's happening.

Israeli forces have threatened to capture those that attempt to approach Gaza. how concerned are you for your safety? 

My family is perhaps more worried than I am. I have been captured several times, and I've been imprisoned.

But I feel it's all worth it because the only way for people to truly understand that this is no longer the country it once was – and that we are as culpable as Israel, and equally capable of stopping them – is to stop my country. I want them to understand that. Death is probably the biggest risk I worry about.

However, it's also worth it to me because it's what will bring the world to awareness. I also want to offer an apology from my country to yours. So many people in the United States are deeply upset about the bombings that were inflicted upon you, and the war that was instigated against you for no justifiable reason.

And the lies... We are living in a time where politicians can constantly spout falsehoods. Now they're claiming, 'Iran tried to kill our president.' These fabrications are so blatant and ridiculous that we must turn things around.

Has there been any protest or condemnation in the United States after the attacks on Iran?

That's interesting that you mentioned the protests. They were happening, but because of that, they became integrated into the broader protests against the Gaza genocide. So, yes, there were protests.

Also, the newspapers... We have some that are essentially government-controlled, even though they're not officially supposed to be. But yes, there was a significant amount of activity – 'what are we doing?' – and they did nothing. A lot of people were saying it was all to keep Netanyahu in power.

We don't have all the details, but we knew it was a sham.

What message would you like to convey to the Iranian people, given the ongoing sanctions and the pressures they face from the West?

Actually, you are greatly admired. Iranian people are deeply admired because we recognize that you are being targeted for your independence; you haven't conformed like the other countries in your region. I hope that you will be rewarded and honored someday. I hope BRICS can make a difference.

We are hoping for change in the United States, because the current world structure, in my opinion, benefits almost no one except perhaps fascists. We hope you will remain strong, and that you know there are many people in the United States who support Iran, even if our voices aren't always heard.

When corporate media is controlled by Zionists, you can't rely on it. You have to find other ways, and it's not easy. But we won't be deterred. Truth is truth, and right is right. You are on the right side of history. We are not, and we want our country to join you there.