Since her detention, she has been grappling with a mix of anger and “profound sadness,” largely due to what she perceives as insufficient government support for the flotilla and its Australian participants.

“It’s made me more steadfast and more determined,” she expressed to SBS News, emphasizing her commitment to challenging what she describes as Israel’s “siege.”

Israel currently exerts control over Gaza’s airspace, territorial waters, and most of the land crossings, thereby limiting the freedom of movement in and out of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Juliet Lamont, pictured in the center, was joyfully reunited with her daughters, Luca and Isla, following her imprisonment in Israel last year. Credit: Supplied

Israel says hundreds of trucks enter Gaza daily carrying food, medical supplies and shelter equipment. International aid organisations say the supplies are still insufficient.

“I think that we’re going to get really close. I think we’ve got a fighter’s chance of breaking the siege.”

(L-R) Australian activists Hamish Paterson, Juliet Lamont and Abubakir Rafiq alleged that they were refused medical treatment, medication and legal counsel while detained by Israeli forces. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi / AAP

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson told SBS News it was aware of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s intention to set sail again in 2026.

“Those wishing to deliver humanitarian aid should do so through established channels.”

Feeling ‘really hopeful’ despite possible imprisonment

“Who knows how long the prison term will be, but we are feeling really positive and really hopeful.”

Israel has designated the maritime area around Gaza as an active combat zone and warned all vessels that attempting to enter the area is a violation of the blockade.

Allegations of torture

In a separate post on X it called allegations of abuse “brazen lies”.