The United States announced sanctions on Tuesday against four activists involved in flotilla missions attempting to break Israel’s 19-year blockade of Gaza. The US Treasury Department accused the organisers of supporting Hamas but did not publicly provide evidence. The sanctions target members of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) and Samidoun, including Mohammed Khatib, Jaldia Abubakra, Saif Abu Keshek, and Hisham Abu Mahfouz. The measures freeze any US-based assets and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them, potentially restricting their access to global financial systems.

Activists and rights advocates condemned the sanctions as an effort to criminalise humanitarian solidarity with Gaza. Organisers said the flotillas were peaceful missions to deliver aid and protest what they described as Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinians. They also reported that Israeli forces intercepted the latest flotilla in international waters, detaining hundreds of activists from more than 46 countries. Several governments, including Turkiye, Spain, and Brazil, criticised the interceptions, while UN officials warned of escalating risks to civilians at sea.

The sanctions come as Gaza faces severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel under Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007. Activists vowed to continue their efforts through alternative strategies despite the restrictions.