Jerusalem, 11 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s State Attorney’s Office submitted an “exceptional” request to permanently confiscate 50 foreign vessels that attempted to violate the legal maritime blockade imposed by the State of Israel on the Gaza Strip, as part of the ” Sumud ” flotilla. The request, made to the Haifa District Court, sitting as a maritime court, indicates that a significant portion of the vessels were owned by the Hamas organization.
The request is based on international law, which gives countries the right to seize vessels that attempt to violate a maritime blockade, and the court the authority to order their confiscation.
The “Sumud” flotilla arrived in Israel last October, following previous flotillas that arrived and were stooped, with their vessels confiscated.
In the first wave, 41 vessels arrived, which were stopped on Yom Kippur, and in the second wave, about a week later, 9 more arrived.
The state claims that “Hamas worked to finance the flotilla, to synchronize the various international organizations, and to purchase ships, all while attempting to conceal its involvement in the flotilla.”
In addition, “this is an unprecedented flotilla in its scope and dimensions, with orderly planning and centralized management, all with the aim of challenging the navy and breaking the maritime blockade… The movement of the vessels was carried out in a manner similar to the conduct of military vessels sailing in a single convoy.”
According to the government, Hamas’ direct involvement, including financing and purchasing vessels (through a shell company owned by an activist in the PCPA organization founded by Hamas), indicates serious security motives that require a strong legal response. The confiscation of the vessels is also required to convey a strong deterrent message to elements seeking to act against the State of Israel, in violation of the law.