Israel released documents on Monday that link Hamas to the Global Sumud Flotilla heading toward Gaza. The Foreign Ministry published translations and photographs showing flotilla organizers with senior Hamas figures. The flotilla consists of approximately 50 civilian ships carrying participants from more than 40 nations who plan to break Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies.
The documents identify the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad as a Hamas front organization established in 2018. Israeli officials said this group coordinates anti-Israel activities abroad under civilian cover. One letter from 2021 bears the signature of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' Political Bureau, endorsing the organization. Israel designated the conference as a terrorist entity in 2021.
A second document lists conference operatives with ties to the flotilla. The papers name Zaher Birawi as head of Hamas operations in Britain and a longtime flotilla leader. Spanish operative Saif Abu Kashk serves as chief executive of Cyber Neptune, a company that owns dozens of vessels participating in the convoy. Israeli authorities said troops discovered these records at Hamas positions throughout Gaza.
The documents identify the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad as a Hamas front organization established in 2018. Israeli officials said this group coordinates anti-Israel activities abroad under civilian cover. One letter from 2021 bears the signature of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' Political Bureau, endorsing the organization. Israel designated the conference as a terrorist entity in 2021.
A second document lists conference operatives with ties to the flotilla. The papers name Zaher Birawi as head of Hamas operations in Britain and a longtime flotilla leader. Spanish operative Saif Abu Kashk serves as chief executive of Cyber Neptune, a company that owns dozens of vessels participating in the convoy. Israeli authorities said troops discovered these records at Hamas positions throughout Gaza.
