Image: keystone
April 29, 2026, 5:02 p.mApril 29, 2026, 5:02 p.m
According to official information, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has imposed sanctions on the “Global Sumud Flotilla” fundraising campaign.
The flotilla with around 100 ships and around 1,000 people on board is currently on its way to Gaza and, according to Israeli media, is expected to arrive off the coast of the Palestinian territory this weekend.
In a statement distributed by his office, Katz accused the Islamist Hamas of being behind the action along with international organizations. According to the information, the sanctioning of the crowdfunding campaign, which finances the purchase of ships and the recruitment of participants, is intended to prevent donors from supporting a terrorist organization.
The allegations from Israel are not new. The fleet’s activists have not yet commented on this when asked. The Israeli Defense Minister initially left open details about how exactly the fundraising campaign would be sanctioned and what effects this would have.
Israel’s navy wants to intercept ships again
The pro-Palestinian activists from various countries want to use the action to once again try to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip that has existed since 2007, which is also supported by Egypt, and to bring aid supplies to the conflict region. The organizers recently spoke of the largest flotilla that had ever attempted to reach the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli media, Israel’s navy is now preparing to intercept the ships – as in previous operations. (sda/dpa)