Some of the 20 ships taking part in an earlier Global Sumud Flotilla dock in September in the port in Barcelona. The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four activists linked to the flotilla, which has been attempting to carry humanitarian aid to Gaza. File Photo by Quique Garcia/FlEPA
May 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Tuesday announced that it is imposing sanctions on four activists for their alleged involvement in a flotilla seeking to carry humanitarian aid to Gaza during the Israeli blockade.
In a press release, the department said the flotilla was "pro-terror" and "operating in support of Hamas." Those organizing the Global Sumud Flotilla say that it is a "legal, non-violent humanitarian mission."
The Israeli military began to intercept the boats of the flotilla and detain the people aboard Monday as they were off the coast of Cyprus. More than 50 vessels are involved in the group.
Its organizers said that they were trying to deliver humanitarian aid while showing solidarity with the Palestinian population. Israel has continued bombing Gaza despite a cease-fire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump late last year, Al Jazeera reported, and Palestinians are facing shortages in food and medical supplies.
