US sanctions activists aboard Gaza-bound aid flotilla

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on four people aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla organised by the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, which is also under US sanctions.

Those targeted include European activists Saif Abu Keshek, Jaldia Abubakra Aueda, Hisham Abdallah Sulayman Abu Mahfuz and Mohammed Khatib.

Israel has intercepted dozens of aid flotillas after more than 50 vessels departed from the Turkish port of Marmaris last week, in what organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described as the final stage of their planned journey to Gaza.

In a statement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the flotilla as “pro-terror” and “a ludicrous attempt to undermine President Trump’s successful progress toward lasting peace in the region.”