Defense Minister Israel Katz has imposed sanctions on a fundraising campaign intended to finance an upcoming flotilla to the Gaza Strip, organized by the terrorist organization Hamas.
The move is part of a broader economic campaign led by Israel's defense establishment against Hamas and against efforts to destabilize the Gaza Strip—efforts in which the United States is also involved. The sanctions target a campaign raising funds for a flotilla known as the “Global Sumud Flotilla – The Second Mission," which is organized by Hamas in cooperation with additional international organizations, under the guise of a humanitarian aid mission. The decision follows extensive operational work by the Israeli Navy, Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), and the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF) within the Ministry of Defense.
The flotilla, expected to depart for the Gaza Strip in mid-April from several European countries, including Spain and Italy, is anticipated to include more than 100 vessels and hundreds of participants.
It should be noted that the flotilla challenges UN Resolution 2803, which stipulates that aid to the Gaza Strip must be delivered through established and official channels. As such, its implementation is expected to undermine stabilization efforts led by the Trump administration as part of broader regional stability initiatives.
At the forefront of the public campaign is the organization “Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF)," which is actively raising funds for the procurement of vessels and recruitment of participants.
These activities are reportedly being conducted without transparency to the public and not necessarily in accordance with the law. Recently, individuals associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla were arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of money laundering and corruption, and senior figures within the organization have been detained in multiple locations on similar suspicions.
The imposition of sanctions on the crowdfunding campaign constitutes a significant step in efforts to disrupt the flotilla's sources of funding. As noted, the flotilla is organized by Hamas under the guise of a humanitarian mission, and the sanctions are intended to deter potential donors from contributing to a terrorist organization.
ASO 12/26
