Israeli media reports have revealed that the Israeli military used a US-linked coordination facility to mobilize international efforts aimed at obstructing the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which sought to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.
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According to information published by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, Israeli occupation forces held discussions in recent weeks at a US facility in the city of Kiryat Gat, where they engaged with officers from multiple countries to address the flotilla’s movement toward Gaza.
The report indicates that Israeli officials used meetings in the facility as a platform to raise concerns about the flotilla and push for coordinated measures to hinder its progress.
These discussions reportedly included direct and informal exchanges with foreign military representatives on possible ways to confront the humanitarian initiative, which organizers describe as a humanitarian mission to deliver aid and challenge the blockade.
The US-linked headquarters was originally established to coordinate humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, oversee reconstruction planning, and facilitate multinational cooperation, with participation from American and Israeli officials alongside representatives from more than 20 countries, under Trump’s vision for so-called peace in Gaza.
Diverging international positions
Despite Israeli efforts, the report highlighted clear divisions among international participants.
Representatives of several foreign militaries reportedly stated they lacked the authority to prevent their nationals from joining the flotilla, emphasizing its civilian nature. However, some countries signaled a willingness to provide support in efforts to obstruct it.
Spain notably refused to engage in any discussions related to the flotilla, including in closed-door sessions, citing instructions from higher political authorities. The stance aligns with recent statements by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who condemned “Israel’s” interception of the vessels as a violation of international law.
In response, “Israel” reportedly expelled Spanish delegates from the Kiryat Gat facility last month.
Escalating tensions over Gaza flotilla
The revelations come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla, whose vessels were boarded by Israeli naval forces in international waters near the Greek island of Crete.
While Washington has condemned the flotilla and called on allies to deny it access to ports, multiple countries, including Spain, Italy, Turkiye, and Iran, have condemned Israeli actions and demanded the release of detained activists.
The developments underscore a growing international divide over efforts to challenge the blockade on Gaza, with US backing for Israeli aggression increasingly at odds with broader global calls to allow humanitarian access to the besieged territory.
