The State Department announced sanctions on Tuesday on four people tied to organizations supporting Gaza-bound flotillas, accusing them of providing material backing to Hamas.
The move comes as activists attempt another high-profile effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, with 44 of the organizers’ boats being intercepted by Israeli forces.
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The sanctions, imposed by the State and Treasury Departments, target individuals the Trump administration says are linked to networks that organize or finance maritime convoys to Gaza while maintaining ties to Hamas.
U.S. officials described the effort as part of a broader crackdown on what they call “Hamas support networks” operating under the guise of humanitarian activism.
Some of the sanctioned figures were involved in organizing flotillas that sought to break Israel’s maritime security cordon around Gaza, the Treasury Department said.
The agency in January had already sanctioned the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, describing it as a Hamas-linked organization and a key organizer behind recent flotilla campaigns.
“The pro-terror flotilla attempting to reach Gaza is a ludicrous attempt to undermine President Trump’s successful progress toward lasting peace in the region,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, noting a peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump in October.
“Treasury will continue to sever Hamas’ global financial support networks, no matter where in the world they are,” Bessent added.
Tuesday’s announcement comes as the latest Gaza-bound flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, continues attempting to reach the enclave. Organizers said Israeli naval forces intercepted dozens of vessels in international waters this week, while several boats continued toward Gaza.
Videos shared by activists showed warning shots fired near some vessels, though no injuries were immediately reported. Israel has not publicly commented on the latest incident but has repeatedly vowed to enforce its blockade.
The flotilla includes activists, doctors, and humanitarian volunteers from dozens of countries who say they are attempting to deliver aid and protest restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza. Israeli officials have described the missions as political provocations that undermine diplomatic efforts and risk escalating tensions.
ISRAEL AND TURKEY CLASH OVER GAZA AID FLOTILLA INTERCEPTION
The latest sanctions also arrive as pressure mounts over worsening conditions in Gaza, where aid agencies warn that shortages of food, medicine, and fuel continue despite expanded humanitarian deliveries.
Israel says the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas, which the U.S. designated as a terrorist organization. The Jewish state also denied allegations that it is withholding aid.
