Israel sanctions fundraising efforts for Gaza flotilla mission

TEL AVIV

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on April 29 announced sanctions targeting the fundraising efforts behind a pro-Palestinian flotilla set to sail toward the Gaza Strip in an attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade.

The mission, organized under the name Global Sumud Flotilla, involved around 100 vessels and approximately 1,000 participants from multiple countries, including Türkiye, Spain and Italy. The boats are anticipated to approach Gaza’s coastline over the weekend.

Israeli officials said the navy is preparing to intercept the flotilla, as it has done with similar activist missions in the past, often stopping them before they reach the enclave.

In a statement, Katz said sanctions was imposed on a crowdfunding campaign linked to the initiative, alleging that it is organized by Hamas in coordination with other international groups under the cover of humanitarian aid.

“The imposition of sanctions on the crowdfunding campaign is a significant step in disrupting the flotilla’s funding channels,” the statement said, adding that the move is also intended to discourage potential donors.

It remains unclear what immediate impact the sanctions will have. Under Israeli law, the defense minister has the authority to order the seizure of assets belonging to designated terrorist organizations or those intended for use in terrorism.

Israel maintains that such flotillas violate international mechanisms requiring aid to Gaza to be delivered through approved channels and argues they undermine broader regional stabilization efforts.

In October 2025, Israeli authorities arrested and then deported about 470 people as dozens of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla were stopped by Israeli forces from reaching Gaza.