Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Monday alleged that Hamas directly funded and orchestrated the “Sumud” flotilla bound for Gaza, citing official documents recovered in the Gaza Strip.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, consisting of around 50 civilian vessels with participants from more than 40 countries, aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade imposed since 2007 and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

According to Israel, recovered Hamas documents and translations show a direct link between flotilla organisers and senior Hamas leaders. “While Hamas in Gaza controls activities inside the Strip, Hamas Abroad, through the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), manages actions outside Gaza, including flotillas,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Established in 2018, the PCPA operates under civilian cover but functions as a wing of Hamas, mobilising demonstrations, marches, and provocations against Israel. Israel designated the PCPA a terrorist organisation in 2021 due to its ties to Hamas.

One document, a 2021 letter from Hamas Political Bureau head Ismail Haniyeh, explicitly endorses the PCPA and calls for unity. Another document lists PCPA operatives, including Zaher Birawi, who leads flotilla actions from the UK, and Saif Abu Kashk from Spain. Abu Kashk also runs Cyber Neptune, a front company that secretly owns several ships participating in the Sumud flotilla.

“These documents provide clear evidence of Hamas’ direct involvement in the funding and execution of the flotilla,” the Ministry stated.

Israel’s claims highlight the ongoing tension surrounding humanitarian missions attempting to reach Gaza and the complex geopolitical dynamics of flotilla activism, which Israel contends is often used as a cover for Hamas-aligned operations.