The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned four individuals tied to a Gaza-bound flotilla and taken action against operatives within Hamas-aligned Muslim Brotherhood networks, labeling the operation a “pro-terror” effort designed to undermine American peace initiatives in the region.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the flotilla as a “ludicrous attempt” to undermine President Trump’s progress toward lasting peace. The sanctions, announced May 19 by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and coordinated with the State Department, target key organizers associated with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), a U.S.-designated entity officials say is clandestinely controlled by sanctioned Palestinian terrorist organizations.
OFAC designated Saif Hashim Kamel Abukishek and Hisham Abdallah Sulayman Abu Mahfuz as leaders or officials of PCPA, while Mohammed Khatib and Jaldia Abubakra Aueda were designated for their roles in Samidoun, a group Treasury describes as a front organization for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Treasury stated that Samidoun functions as a fundraising platform in countries where the PFLP faces legal restrictions. The PCPA claims to represent the Palestinian diaspora but Treasury asserted it was established with funding from Hamas’s International Relations Bureau and directed by Hamas through officials placed within the organization.
The sanctions block U.S.-based property and interests of the designated individuals, generally prohibiting U.S. persons from conducting transactions with them unless authorized or exempt. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla vessels on Tuesday as they attempted to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. All 430 activists were transferred to Israeli vessels and are en route to meet consular representatives in Israel. Israel characterized the flotilla as “a provocation for the sake of provocation” with no real intent to deliver aid.
Treasury emphasized that the sanctions target three categories of Hamas enablers: organizers of a Gaza-bound flotilla, operatives within Hamas-aligned Muslim Brotherhood networks, and coordinators tied to Samidoun. The administration stated such groups exploit diaspora organizations and purported civil society entities to advance Hamas’s agenda while claiming humanitarian objectives. Treasury also accused Karim Sayed Ahmed Moghny of directing militant activity and training operatives in covert operations, funds transfers, and military techniques as part of the Hamas-aligned Muslim Brotherhood network.