Free Republic

The Israeli Navy on Wednesday evening began to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, activists aboard the vessels claimed. Footage posted to social media showed a Navy vessel near one of the boats. Al Jazeera reported that IDF troops had begun to arrest participants...

An international flotilla aiming to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza reported increased drone activity early Wednesday as it approached the region. “We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” the Global Sumud Flotilla announced via Telegram. The flotilla, named Global Sumud, departed Barcelona last month with the stated goal of delivering aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s security cordon. Global Sumud resumed its voyage Sunday after undergoing repairs in Greek waters. Organizers announced that Greek vessels had joined the mission, bringing the total number of civilian boats to 47. Organizers...

Two official documents from Hamas found in the Gaza Strip reveal that the organization is directly involved in funding and carrying out the Sumud flotilla to Gaza. The documents indicate a close connection between the flotilla leadership and Hamas, particularly with the PCPA - a body operating on behalf of Hamas in the international arena. The PCPA, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians Abroad, was founded in 2018 and is considered an official external arm of Hamas. The organization, operating under a civilian guise, serves as a central tool for Hamas in leading hostile activities against Israel outside the Gaza Strip,...