We’ll keep you informed about developments coming up in the month ahead at the UN and international courts, providing you with insights into anti-Israel lawfare and equipping you with knowledge for the pursuit of justice.
Key developments
Flotillas Challenge Israel’s Blockade of Hamas
In May 2026, a Resilience (‘Sumud’) Flotilla, comprising more than 50 vessels set off from Türkiye towards the Gaza Strip to breach the Israeli naval blockade on Hamas. The Flotilla was part of an ongoing campaign since 2008, including a major confrontation in 2010 with the Mavi Mamara flotilla from Türkiye. Until 2019, the Global Sumud Flotilla sent 35 boats. The number of flotillas and vessels increased after 7 October 2023, including 42 vessels in just one of the 2025 flotillas, supported by celebrities on board to promote media coverage.
Israel imposed a naval blockade on foreign shipments direct to Hamas from January 2009, after Hamas took over Gaza in June 2007 and began using maritime channels to smuggle weapons used to attack Israel. This blockade does not prevent the delivery of official humanitarian aid.
On 18 May 2026, the Israeli navy intercepted the May 2026 flotilla, and its participants subsequently alleged their abduction and abuse and reported their allegations for prosecutions by the International Criminal Court and by national courts. Based on available evidence, the allegations appear fraudulent.
The flotilla campaigns to support Hamas and delegitimise Israel are part of a full-spectrum wartime information offensive operation against Israel.
