Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that Section 56(b) of the Counterterrorism Law authorizes the seizure of ships and other property intended for use in terror activity, as a flotilla bound for Gaza continues its voyage after departing Spain earlier this month.
“Section 56(b) of the law states that the Defense Minister may order the seizure of property of a declared terrorist organization, or property intended for a serious terrorist offense, if he is convinced that this is necessary to thwart the activities of a terrorist organization and harm its ability to advance its goals… or to thwart a serious terror offense,” Katz said.
He added that the law also allows authorities to seize property used directly in carrying out such offenses.
Katz had previously signed a sanctions order against the fundraising campaign for the Global Sumud Flotilla, stating that it is directly organized by Hamas terrorists, in cooperation with other international organizations, under the guise of a "humanitarian aid flotilla."
"The sanctions were imposed as part of the economic campaign against Hamas and against attempts to destabilize the Gaza Strip," the Defense Ministry said at the time.
The US is "also involved" in these sanctions, the ministry added.
Katz: Global Sumud Flotilla violates UN Resolution 2803
The Global Sumud Flotilla "violates UN Resolution 2803, which stipulated that aid to Gaza should enter through accepted official channels," Katz said.
The flotilla, therefore, "harms the settlement efforts led by the Trump administration as part of the effort to achieve regional stability," he added.
The latest flotilla attempt comprises more than 60 Italian and Spanish vessels, which set sail from Sicily on Sunday.
Notable activists on board the vessels include the sister of the Irish president, Margaret Connoly, and Brazilian activists Amanda Coelho Marzall, Ariadne Telles, Bruno Gilga Rocha, and Thiago Avila.
Michael Starr contributed to this report.