The United States has imposed sanctions on four individuals linked to a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza, accusing them of supporting armed Palestinian groups. The flotilla, part of the Global Sumud initiative, was intercepted by Israeli forces after departing from Turkiye. United States officials described the mission as an attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts in the region.

Those sanctioned are alleged to have ties to the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which Washington claims operates as a front for militant organizations in Gaza. Among them is Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin who was previously detained and later deported by Israel. Additional individuals based in Belgium and Spain were also named.

In the same announcement, the United States sanctioned several other people and entities it accuses of supporting the armed group that governs Gaza, including religious and financial figures said to help sustain its operations. The move comes amid ongoing violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities and figures considered reliable by the United Nations.