Israel says it has proof linking Hamas to the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip with climate activist Greta Thunberg aboard.
On Tuesday, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled documents it claims were discovered in Gaza, suggesting a direct connection between the flotilla organizers and Hamas. According to their statement, while Hamas manages operations within Gaza, it enlists the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) for activities overseas.
The Ministry claims that the PCPA operates under a guise of civilian operations and is tasked by Hamas with organizing activities against Israel, including violent protests, marches, and provocative flotillas aimed at Israel.
The revealed documents include a list of PCPA members, some of whom Israel alleges are prominent Hamas operatives. Among them is Zaher Birawi, reputed by Israel to be the head of PCPA in the U.K., known for coordinating flotilla protests.
The Times of Israel reported that Birawi served as the spokesperson for the 2010 Turkish Mavi Marmara flotilla.
Another individual identified by Israel is Saif Abu Kashk, listed as the CEO of Cyber Neptune. Reporting by Euro News indicates that the company transitioned from real estate to sea-based transport of people and goods, with Abu Kashk allegedly assuming leadership shortly before the GSF set sail.
In addition to the documents, Israel released several images of Birawi with Hamas leaders and one of him with Thunberg.
Greta Thunberg with Zaher Birawi (second from the left), who Israel says is tied to Hamas. (Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Greta Thunberg, famed for her climate activism, has consistently denied any connections between Hamas and the flotilla protests. Despite these claims, alongside the documents, Israel reportedly found photos of Thunberg with Birawi.
GSF spokesperson Maria Elena Delia, as quoted by Euro News, stated that the documents presented by Israel do not substantiate claims of Hamas funding or controlling the Global Sumud Flotilla, in a release to news agency Ansa.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee reacted to the revelation of the documents saying, “Let’s hope the media doesn’t fall for another propaganda stunt by Hamas stooges like Greta. Greta, you should know betta!”
Thunberg participated in another flotilla effort earlier this year, which ended with her being deported from Israel after the country’s naval forces detained the vessel.
Fox News Digital reached out to GSF for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
