Israel criticises Sumud Flotilla as "cynical scam"

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has criticised the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing it as an effort that undermines coordinated international aid to Gaza.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry said the flotilla “undermines coordinated international aid” mechanisms and accused it of bolstering Hamas, which Israel says has refused to disarm. It added that such initiatives risk delaying reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, Caliber.Az reports.

The ministry further characterised the flotilla as being “framed as activism” but alleged it ultimately entrenches Hamas’s rule in the territory.

Global Sumud Flotilla is an initiative is aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and drawing international attention to humanitarian conditions there. Launched in mid-2025, the flotilla reportedly involved more than 40 vessels and around 500 participants from over 44 countries, making it one of the largest civilian maritime convoys of its kind.

By Sabina Mammadli