Israel claims to possess evidence connecting the Global Sumud Flotilla, heading to the Gaza Strip with a climate activist participating, to Hamas.
On Tuesday, documents were released, purportedly discovered in Gaza, which Israel asserts “demonstrate a direct link between the flotilla leaders and the Hamas terrorist organization.” A ministry statement accompanying the document release clarified that Hamas, while managing Gaza operations, depends on the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) for its overseas activities.
“The organization functions under a civilian guise and is tasked, on behalf of Hamas, with organizing actions against Israel, such as violent demonstrations, marches, and protest and provocation flotillas,” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Because of its connections to Hamas, Israel designated the PCPA as a terrorist organization in 2021.
Among the official documents released and translated by Israel was a 2021 letter, allegedly from Ismail Haniyeh, who headed the Hamas Political Bureau until his assassination in 2024. Israel states that in this letter, Haniyeh endorses the PCPA and “directly and explicitly” urges its chairman to pursue “unity.”
The second document presents a list of PCPA operatives, with some identified as “high-ranking, well-known Hamas operatives.” Zaher Birawi, whom Israel identifies as the PCPA’s U.K. head and a known organizer of protest flotillas, is among those listed.
It was also asserted that Birawi served as the spokesperson for the 2010 Turkish Mavi Marmara flotilla.
Israel further identified Saif Abu Kashk from the list, stating he is the CEO of Cyber Neptune. The company reportedly shifted its corporate objective from real estate to the maritime transfer of people and goods, with reports noting that Abu Kashk assumed leadership of the organization just days prior to the GSF’s departure.
Alongside the documents, Israel released multiple images showing Birawi with Hamas leaders, as well as one depicting him with Thunberg.
Thunberg, renowned for her childhood climate activism, has consistently denied any links between Hamas and the flotilla protests. Yet, alongside the official documents, Israel revealed images of the activist with Birawi.
“The documents presented by Israel demonstrate neither Hamas’ funding nor its oversight of the Global Sumud Flotilla,” GSF spokesperson Maria Elena Delia reportedly stated in a press release issued to news agency Ansa, as reported by Euro News.
The U.S. Ambassador to Israel commented on the document revelation, saying, “Let’s hope the media doesn’t fall for another propaganda stunt by Hamas stooges like Greta. Greta, you should know betta!”
Earlier this year, Thunberg took part in a separate flotilla initiative, resulting in her deportation from Israel after its naval forces apprehended the vessel.
Digital contacted the GSF for a statement but did not receive an immediate reply.