Israel’s Foreign Ministry has alleged that recovered documents in Gaza indicate direct involvement of Hamas in an aid flotilla en route to the war-torn Strip, which includes Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla, named Global Sumud, comprises over 50 boats with participants from 44 countries seeking to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is facing a severe famine due to Israel’s blockade. Notable passengers on board include Thunberg and Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Initially dismissed as a mere publicity stunt by Israel, the voyage now faces heightened scrutiny as Israel claims to have found evidence linking the flotilla leaders to the Hamas terrorist organization, specifically through its overseas branch, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA). The Israeli Foreign Ministry disclosed that the PCPA, designated a terrorist group in 2021, acts as Hamas’ representative abroad, orchestrating protests, marches, and flotillas under civilian guise.
The Ministry revealed recovered papers that point to a direct association between the flotilla organizers and the PCPA, including a 2021 letter signed by former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh endorsing the PCPA. Additionally, a second document lists individuals linked to the group, such as Zaher Birawi, a prominent flotilla organizer in the UK, and Saif Abu Kashk, a PCPA member based in Spain. The ministry alleges that Abu Kashk’s company, Cyber Neptune, owns numerous boats participating in the current flotilla on behalf of Hamas.
Pictures released by the Ministry show Birawi alongside flotilla activists and senior Hamas figures, highlighting his involvement in past aid missions to Gaza, including the ill-fated Mavi Marmara flotilla in 2010. While the Global Sumud organizers assert their mission is to deliver essential supplies to Palestinians in need and protest the blockade, Israel defends its maritime blockade as crucial to prevent aid and resources from reaching Hamas.
With the flotilla nearing Gaza, Israel’s accusations of Hamas ties are expected to heighten scrutiny. Greta Thunberg, aged 22, who aims to challenge the blockade, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. Humanitarian agencies and the United Nations have long criticized Israel for impeding aid delivery to Gaza, exacerbating hunger in the region. The fleet, approximately 150 nautical miles from Gaza, is anticipated to approach the territory soon, although past flotillas have been intercepted before reaching shore.