NextFin news, On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Anti-Semitism released a detailed report condemning the Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational convoy of over 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, as a "jihad initiative" with documented ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The convoy, which includes activists from 44 countries such as Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and US actress Susan Sarandon, departed from ports in Barcelona, Genoa, Tunis, and Catania between late August and early September. It aims to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza to deliver supplies including baby formula, medicines, and food amid an escalating famine crisis in the territory.
Israel's ministry described the flotilla as a propaganda tool designed to legitimize terrorist narratives and undermine Israeli security. The report, titled A Humanitarian Cover with Documented Links to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, alleges that key figures in the convoy's steering committee have direct connections with Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other proscribed groups.
Among those named are Saif Abu Keshk, a Palestinian activist arrested in Egypt for leading an unauthorized march to Gaza, and Muhammad Nadir al-Nuri, accused of funding Hamas-linked projects. The ministry also highlighted coordination between the convoy and Hamas external leaders through encrypted communications.
Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora minister, stated the flotilla acts as a "mechanism in service of Hamas" that fuels anti-Semitism and delegitimizes Israel, drawing parallels to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident where nine activists died during a similar mission.
Organizers of the convoy have rejected Israel's accusations as disinformation, emphasizing their transparent crowdfunding efforts and framing the convoy as a peaceful response to the blockade that the United Nations has criticized as collective punishment under international law.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. According to multiple sources including the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, Gaza is experiencing a man-made famine with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. The Palestinian health ministry reports hundreds of deaths from malnutrition, including many children.
Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha has called for global action to break the Israeli siege and end the starvation campaign, urging international solidarity and humanitarian intervention. Meanwhile, Israel maintains its blockade to prevent arms smuggling but faces widespread international criticism for exacerbating Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
The flotilla is currently regrouping in Sicily after delays and recent suspected sabotage attacks on some vessels in Tunisian waters. Sixteen nations, including Spain and Portugal, have warned Israel against interfering with the convoy, citing violations of maritime law.
This development underscores the complex and volatile situation surrounding Gaza's blockade, humanitarian aid efforts, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict as of Friday, September 19, 2025.
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