Israel Alleges Hamas Organized Sumud Flotilla

Israel’s Foreign Ministry published documents recovered by troops in Gaza that it says show Hamas’ direct involvement with the Global Sumud flotilla, including a 2021 letter from then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh endorsing the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), and notes the PCPA was designated a terrorist entity by Israeli authorities in 2021. The ministry alleges the PCPA functions as Hamas’ foreign arm and cites a list of operatives found in Gaza, naming longtime flotilla organizer Zaher Birawi and Spain-based Saif Abu Kashk, whose company Cyber Neptune is accused of owning dozens of the convoy’s vessels. Organizers of the more-than-50-boat mission, which includes high-profile participants such as Greta Thunberg and Zwelivelile Mandela and says it is carrying humanitarian aid, have rejected the Israeli claims as propaganda and some named individuals and company records dispute the accusations. The flotilla has been beset by internal controversies, including a recent fire, public disputes after a queer activist joined, and Thunberg’s departure from the steering committee. Israel has warned its navy will act to prevent the convoy from reaching Gaza, and Israeli officials say the newly released materials bolster links between some flotilla leaders and Hamas.