WASHINGTON / JERUSALEM / ATHENS — April 30, 2026 : The U.S.-led Board of Peace said Thursday that humanitarian assistance in Gaza has expanded significantly since the October ceasefire, with food aid now reaching three times as many people as before and reported diversion by Hamas reduced from approximately 90 percent to less than 1 percent.
In a statement, the board said it is finalizing a structured process for Hamas to decommission its weapons as part of a broader transition plan toward new governance in Gaza. The mechanism, discussed in earlier proposals, outlines an eight-month phased approach that includes dismantling tunnel infrastructure and collecting weapons under the supervision of a verification committee. This process is expected to run alongside the formation of a technocratic Palestinian administrative body.
Aid Delivery and Coordination Framework
The Board of Peace, established following a ceasefire brokered under the administration of Donald Trump, oversees implementation of post-conflict arrangements in Gaza. It emphasized that humanitarian assistance is now being distributed through coordinated systems involving the United Nations and the World Bank.
According to the board, directing aid through these established channels has improved delivery efficiency and accountability. It urged governments, organizations, and individuals to avoid parallel or uncoordinated efforts and instead use the centralized framework to maximize impact.
Flotilla Activity and Board Response
The board also addressed the maritime convoy known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed earlier in April from Barcelona with dozens of vessels and participants intending to deliver aid directly to Gaza.
Describing the effort as “performative love-boat activism,” the board stated that such actions do not contribute to effective aid distribution under current conditions. It called on participants and supporters to instead pressure Hamas to comply with ceasefire obligations and to channel resources through official humanitarian mechanisms.
Israeli Interception and Official Statements
Israeli authorities confirmed that naval forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters near Crete, approximately 965 kilometers from Gaza. According to Israeli officials, more than 20 vessels—reports indicate 22—were intercepted during the operation.
Gideon Sa’ar stated that Israel had successfully prevented attempts to breach what it described as a lawful naval blockade. He said all vessels were brought under control safely and that between 175 and 211 participants were transferred without harm to Israeli naval ships.
Sa’ar added that Israel will continue to enforce the blockade and will not permit unauthorized maritime access to Gaza. He also urged those seeking to provide humanitarian assistance to use recognized channels aligned with international coordination mechanisms.
Coordination With Greece
Following the interception, Israeli officials said an agreement had been reached with the government of Greece to receive those involved in the flotilla. The participants are expected to be disembarked on Greek territory in the coming hours.
Israel expressed appreciation for Greece’s cooperation in facilitating the transfer and handling of those detained during the operation.
Activist and International Reactions
Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla stated that the interception occurred in international waters west of Crete and described it as a raid on civilian vessels. They said participants were detained hundreds of miles from their intended destination.
European governments, including Italy, France, Spain, and Germany, have raised concerns regarding the detention of their nationals. Italy called for the prompt release of its citizens involved in the convoy.
Ongoing Negotiations and Next Steps
The Board of Peace said discussions on Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s transitional governance remain ongoing but did not provide updated timelines or confirmation of agreements reached. It reiterated that reconstruction planning and humanitarian distribution continue under international coordination.
The board maintained that sustaining the current aid delivery improvements depends on adherence to the ceasefire framework, centralized coordination, and progress toward political transition within Gaza.
——— End of Article ———
