PUBLIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
Propaganda Engineered:
Voices of Influence Behind the Movement


INTELEYE RESEARCH | A-Team
September, 2025
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Executive Summary: Analysis of the Global March To Gaza
This report, conducted by IntelEye, details a comprehensive investigation into the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) and its affiliated organizations, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The investigation, which leveraged advanced OSINT techniques, network analysis, and digital forensics, uncovered a sophisticated, globally dispersed network that operates under the guise of humanitarian aid while maintaining significant ties to designated terrorist entities.
Key Findings
Organizational and Leadership Connections
The investigation revealed that the GSF, GMTG, and FFC are not just loosely connected but are part of a cohesive structure. Key individuals within this structure, including steering committee members and coordinators, have documented personal and professional relationships with U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
Prominent Individuals and Their Roles
1
Zaher Birawi
Identified as a central figure, he is a founder of the FFC and head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. Birawi has long-standing affiliations with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, having served in leadership roles within Hamas-linked organizations like the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) and the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB). He has been documented coordinating flotilla logistics and engaging directly with Hamas officials.
2
Saif Abukshek
A lead organizer for GMTG and GSF, Abukshek is affiliated with organizations assessed as Hamas front groups, such as the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA).
3
Other Steering Committee Members
The report identifies GSF steering committee members like Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri, Marouan Ben Guettaia, and Wael Nawar who have been photographed meeting with senior Hamas and PIJ figures. Their roles confirm high-level engagement between the flotilla network and militant groups.
Funding Network
The movement's financing is a multi-tiered international network centered around two main hubs: the FFC and the Global Campaign to Gaza. A significant portion of the funding, totaling over €1.2 million and £60,000 in recorded contributions, comes from various international donors, with a single entity, International Alternative De Catalonia, contributing over €739,000. These funds are then redistributed to smaller groups and individual activists.
Propaganda and Information Operations
The report assesses that the "humanitarian" flotillas are a key component of Hamas's public relations and psychological warfare strategy. By using sympathetic or ideologically aligned figures, the network creates a humanitarian narrative that garners media attention and political sympathy, masking the underlying strategic objectives of Hamas. The presence of high-profile activists, such as Greta Thunberg, and political figures like European Deputy Rima Hassan, alongside known Hamas-linked individuals highlights how these groups exploit public figures as "unwitting conduits" for their agenda.
Vessel Procurement
The report notes that the flotilla organizations do not own the ships they use. Instead, they rely on privately-owned civilian vessels that are loaned, leased, or donated for specific missions, with Zaher Birawi playing a central role in securing and coordinating their use.
In conclusion, the investigation confirms that the Global March To Gaza and its related entities are not merely humanitarian movements but are deeply intertwined with a global support infrastructure for designated terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas. The network's activities, including fundraising, logistics, and public messaging, are strategically aligned to serve the political and propaganda goals of these entities.
Case Study: Investigation of the Global March To Gaza
Disclaimer: All figures, dates, and numerical data presented in this report are accurate as of the time of the investigation (14th August 2025, 13:11) and may be subject to change thereafter.
Investigation Overview
IntelEye's research team conducted an in-depth investigation into the GMTG Greece Telegram group, uncovering connections to broader international networks and potential security concerns.
Methodology
Our team employed advanced OSINT techniques, digital forensics, and network analysis to map relationships between individuals and organizations involved in the movement.
Key Findings
The investigation revealed complex organizational structures, funding mechanisms, and potential connections to designated entities that pose security risks.
Abbreviations Glossary
Due to the length of the organizations' used throughout the investigation, a glossary containing the detailed abbreviation is provided:
  • BDS: Boycott Divestment Sanctions
  • GSF: Global Sumud Flotilla
  • GMTG: Global March To Gaza
  • FFC: Freedom Flotilla Coalition
  • SN: Sumud Nusantara
  • MSF: Maghreb Sumud Flotilla
  • PCPA: The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad
  • EPINA: European Palestinian Initiative for National Action
  • CEPR: The Council for European Palestinian Relations
  • ECESG: The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza
  • ENES: European BGOs Empowerment Services
  • PFLP: The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
  • PIJ: Palestinian Islamic Jihad
  • ICBSG: International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza
  • EAP: Education Aid for Palestine
  • PRC: Palestinian Return Center
  • UOG: Union Of Good
  • TG: Telegram
Context of Investigation
IntelEye's research team received the GMTG Greece Telegram group for further investigation into their participants and their links to other groups.
In Greece, the movement became active through cooperation between March to Gaza Greece, Palestinian Community Greece, and BDS Greece (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). These groups organized public demonstrations and campaigns nationwide to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On August 10, 2025, Greece experienced an intense wave of protests in solidarity with Palestinians, with gatherings in over 100 cities and towns, from Athens and Thessaloniki to islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Syros. Protesters showcased Palestinian flags, chanted slogans like "Freedom to Palestine" and "End genocide," and appealed for Greece to stop military cooperation with Israel.
Global March To Gaza Background
The Global March to Gaza (GMTG) was a civilian-led, international protest initiative intended to march from Al-Arish, Egypt, to the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip. Objectives included breaking the Israeli blockade, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing a humanitarian corridor, and highlighting alleged Israeli war crimes. The event was scheduled for 15–19 June 2025 but was cancelled after mass detentions in Egypt.
Event Overview
Event Details
Global March to Gaza (GMTG), June 2025
Leadership
Steering & Advisory: Chaired by Saif Abukeshek, based in Barcelona. Committee includes Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, who was detained in Egypt ahead of the march
Support Network
Civilian-led, secular, nonpartisan, supported by trade unions, human rights groups, and solidarity movements across more than 32 countries; endorsed by over 150 NGOs and activists from over 50 countries
Event Timeline
1
June 9, 2025
Tunisian/Libyan delegation (Soumoud Convoy) departs Tunis, passes Tripoli; blocked in Sirte by Libyan National Army. Thirteen arrests lead to convoy cancellation.
2
June 12, 2025
Participants begin arriving in Cairo.
3
June 15, 2025
Planned start of march; Egyptian authorities detain over 200 people in Cairo.
4
June 16, 2025
Organizers cancel march after arrests and deportations escalate. Nearly 500 activists deported, passports confiscated, and clashes reported near Ismailia.
High-profile Detentions: Irish politician Paul Murphy, a Turkish MP, and former U.S. diplomat Hala Rharrit.
Background
Since 2010, multiple maritime aid convoys have attempted to breach the Gaza blockade; all were intercepted by Israel.
Activism has intensified following the Gaza war outbreak in October 2023. The most recent aid flotilla interception occurred in June 2025.
Protest Activity Analysis
These pro-Gaza actions intersected with broader anti-Israel sentiment in the country. Demonstrators disrupted Israeli tourist activities, including preventing a cruise ship from disembarking on the island of Syros, leading to diplomatic exchanges between Israeli and Greek foreign ministries.
The Greek movement is part of a larger network of global solidarity actions under the GMTG umbrella, aiming for a symbolic impact, even if not physically reaching Gaza.
Telegram Group Analysis
Display Name
March to Gaza Greece
Username
N/A
Group ID
2694192410
Admins Count
10
Members Count
3,238
Latest Message
08/14/2025
Telegram Group Admins
Group Admins De-Anonymization Graph – GMTG Greece
Our investigation team created a comprehensive network analysis mapping the connections between group administrators and their external affiliations, revealing a complex web of relationships across multiple platforms and organizations.
Subject Profile: Paris Laftsis
Paris Laftsis - Personal Identification Information
Paris Laftsis - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Twitter: x.com/parlafix
  • TikTok: tiktok.com/@parlafix
  • Facebook: facebook.com/in7ictus
  • Instagram: instagram.com/paris.laftsis
Professional
  • Github: github.com/plaftsis
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paris-laftsis
  • Medium: medium.com/@plaftsis
Other Platforms
  • Duolingo: duolingo.com/profile/plaftsis
  • Plex: app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/u/plaf63
  • Pinterest: pinterest.com/in7ictus
  • Quora: quora.com/profile/Paris-Laftsis
  • Dropbox: dbid:AABfGtWmEKxivhO13ao0rkFKUkiikSJ9Lnk
Paris Laftsis - Public Activities
Laftsis is the coordinator of the Greek delegation for the Global March to Gaza. He studied at National Kapodistrian University of Athens and has very strong views towards Israel and has spoken as an official representative of the Greek branch of GMTG. On some occasions he chaired talks on Zionism:
Subject Profile: Eleni Ploumi
Eleni Ploumi - Personal Identification Information
Eleni Ploumi - Related Accounts
Microsoft & Google
  • Microsoft ID: 776CFD9AE91001B4 – Last Seen: 6/22/2025 6:20:08 AM
  • Google ID: 113659173522471062791 – Last Seen: 8/12/2025 6:33:26 PM
Social Media
  • Instagram: instagram.com/elenipl0umi
  • TikTok: tiktok./@elenipl0umi
Other Platforms
  • Plex: app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/u/blackm34
  • Quora: quora.com/profile/Mauro-Probato
  • Eventbrite ID: 202620674323
  • The Fork ID: 4f48154c-0829-4cc7-a5c3-d93fc4b4e8dc
Ploumi's online presence is very minimal, her personal accounts don't share any of her political views or action. Most of her presence is through her art performances on multiple occasions.
Subject Profile: Kleoniki Alexopoulou
Kleoniki Alexopoulou - Personal Identification Information
Kleoniki Alexopoulou - Related Accounts
Microsoft & Dropbox
  • Microsoft ID: 58A0AB5AC52E7BD0 – Last Seen: 8/9/2025 6:57:39 AM
  • Dropbox: dbid:AAA684a8KZ7pcSj_VGRleWXuNIFqpmwsibM
Media Accounts
  • NY Times ID: 99156355
  • X / Twitter: x.com/KleonikiA
Professional
  • LinkedIn: gr.linkedin.com/in/kleoniki-alexopoulou-6890991a
  • Eventbrite ID: 2697012676761
Kleoniki Alexopoulou - Background
Kleoniki appears to have an important role within the GMTG organization, as she is on the GSF official website listed as a member of the steering committee.
From an early stage in her life, she became deeply involved in political activism, participating in grassroots movements in the Netherlands and working with organisations such as UNHCR and SNV on humanitarian initiatives. In Greece, she helped establish a trade union and took part in several editorial collectives.
More recently, her focus has shifted toward the pro-Palestinian solidarity movement, where she has been active on university campuses across the United States. She is also a speaker on some occasions, where she is representing GMTG, FFC and GSF.
Kleoniki Alexopoulou - Public Speaking Event
Greek Solidarity Network UK
July 12 · 🚱
Palestine House
July 18
7 PM
Join us for a discussion and social gathering to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and build resistance to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Gaza is bleeding. Entire families erased in seconds. Children buried under rubble.
This isn't just a tragedy — it's a call. A call to act, to speak, to stand — to remain human.
At this public meeting, we gather to ask:
What does it mean to fight for Gaza?
What can we do — and why does it matter?
Speakers include:
Kleo Alexopoulou – Global March to Gaza / Freedom Flotilla / Sumud
Shabbir Lakha – Stop the War Coalition UK
After the talks: drinks, discussion, connection.
Bring your rage, your grief, your questions — and your will to fight back.
From London–Athens–Everywhere: No justice, no peace.
Free Palestine.
Organised by the Greek Solidarity Network UK
#freeplastine #endtheoccupation
Subject Profile: Thanos Andritsos
Thanos Andritsos - Personal Identification Information
Thanos Andritsos - Related Accounts
Google
  • Google ID: 118356874815617684932 – Last Seen: 8/12/2025 5:27:06 PM
Social Media
  • X / Twitter: x.com/ThanosAndritsos
  • Instagram: instagram.com/thanos_andritsos
  • Flickr: flickr.com/photos/148182466@N08
  • Foursquare: app.foursquare.com/user/51483020
Other Platforms
  • Strava: strava.com/athletes/79056197
  • Trello: trello.com/u/thanosandritsos1
  • Goodreads: goodreads.com/user/show/107201949-thanos-andritsos
  • Quora: quora.com/profile/Thanos-Andritsos
  • Chess: chess.com/member/thai_hok
Thanos Andritsos - Social Media Activity
Thanos Andritsos is not hiding his support for Gaza, through his Instagram posts for example, where he is in riots for Palestine, or even sharing and applauding the movie No Other Land, an anti-Israel movie, supporting Hamas propaganda. Under the posts he comments: "Proud and free art. "No Other Land" wins the Oscar"
Thanos Andritsos - Reading Preferences
To understand some of his views or political ideas, we collected the books he reads through his Goodreads accounts. All his books surround capitalism, Marxism, leftist ideologies. This is common among Palestine supporters, who associate themselves with the movement through their leftist views and believe they are "resisting" the governments.
Subject Profile: Artemis Agathopoulou
Artemis Agathopoulou - Personal Identification Information
Artemis Agathopoulou - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Threads: threads.com/@artemis_agathopoulou
  • Instagram: instagram.com/artemis_agathopoulou
  • Discord ID: 1311827409120657500
Although Artemis does not have many online profiles, her Threads accounts allows us to see her support for Gaza. With her 2 latest posts, one of a painting containing a Palestinian flag, dedicated to Gaza and the other post of her wearing a Keffiyeh, the "symbol" used worldwide to show support for Gaza.
Artemis Agathopoulou - Spotify Activity
Another example of her support is through her Spotify playlist, where she posts a podcast for the March To Gaza, even linking the official marchtogaza.net website.
Subject Profile: Samuel Crettenand
Samuel Crettenand - Personal Identification Information
Samuel Crettenand - Related Accounts
Professional
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samuel-crettenand-39112631
  • Academia Edu: independent.academia.edu/SamuelCrettenand
  • Trello #1: trello.com/u/samuelcrettenand
  • Trello #2: trello.com/u/samuelcrettenand1
  • 500px: 500px.com/p/SamuelCrettenand
Other Platforms
  • LinkTree: linktr.ee/zam_well
  • Medium: medium.com/@samuelcrettenand
  • Dropbox: dbid:AAB76fEVR57aaSiA8tBqff8co7RFeKVffrg
  • Eventbrite: 121724328267
Samuel Crettenand - Owned Domains
  • chaman.ch
  • chaman-diffusion.com
  • chaman-grenoble.com
Samuel Crettenand - Media Appearances
Crettenand is an Archeologist, editor and photograph from Switzerland. During his work, he was specialized in studying the Middle East, with interest in Syria and Gaza. Within the organization, he appears to be helping with the coordination, and organization of the GMTG, however his role and importance appears minimal. Crettenand did appear in different interviews on Swiss channels.
On the GMTG website he is also part of the individuals on the main page, next to Hicham El Ghaoui, thus confirming he does have some type of role or job at GMTG, but it is not clearly stated.
GMTG Greece Admin - Sensitive Telegram Group
After investigating the GMTG Greece admins, we also investigated the other groups they follow on Telegram. Some stood out, for example the admin Tiger Moon is an admin in another group, that appears to be related to Palestine, where they post anti-Israel, antisemitic and pro-Terror content. Tiger Moon even shares articles regarding GSF.
GMTG Greece and GMTG International
Another important information that we gathered from analyzing the groups followed is that every admin of the GMTG Greece follows @marchtogazainternational. With @zam_well being an admin for both GMTG Greece and GMTG International. This shows how the actions of GMTG Greece directly depend and follow the actions decided by GMTG International.
Knowing this, our research team decided to investigated GMTG International and found deep ties with terrorist entities that will be later detailed in this report.
Understanding the Structure
The Global March / Movement to Gaza (GMTG) is one of the sub-groups that make up the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). Another sub-group within the GSF is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
As written on the GSF website: "Coordinators, organizers, and participants from the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla (MSF), the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara (SN) have united under a common goal: to break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. This Summer, dozens of boats will set sail from ports around the world, large and small, converging toward Gaza in the largest coordinated civilian flotilla in history."
Investigating the Different Sub-groups
On the GMTG website multiple information is shared regarding the individuals and their social presence. They list their important representatives as well as a table contains all the countries that are joining the GMTG. When selecting a country, you are redirected to different Telegram Groups (See table below)
Some countries redirect to their country-specific TG group, some to a region-specific group (e.g. LATAM) and some that do not have a group yet are redirected to the International Coordination group @marchtogazainternational. This group is the "Head" of all the movement coordination and will be the focus of the next section.
Telegram Groups by Country
Here is an alphabetically organized list of Telegram groups, with each country clearly labeled alongside its respective link(s). This list functions as an official directory for the GMTG's country-specific groups.

Telegram Group Analysis - GMTG International
Display Name
GMTG International Coordination
Username
@marchtogazainternational
Group ID
2634063931
Admins Count
5
Members Count
11,166
Latests Message
08/11/2025
Group Admins - GMTG International
@zam_well has already been de-anonymized from the GMTG Greece group, his profile is available at the beginning of this investigation.
Group Admins De-Anonymization Graph – GMTG International
Subject Profile: Melanie Schweizer
Melanie Schweizer - Personal Identification Information
Melanie Schweizer - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Twitter: x.com/schweizermel
  • TikTok: tiktok.com/@schweizermel
  • Instagram: instagram.com/schweizer.mel
Google & Other
  • Google ID: 112818013538740299220 - Last Seen: 8/9/2025 1:20:31 PM
  • Pinterest: de.pinterest.com/schweizermel/_saved
  • Eventbrite ID: 2717911098811
  • Mindbody ID: 46867476
  • Quora: quora.com/profile/Melanie-Schweizer-5
Melanie Schweizer - Social Media Activity
Melanie plays a significant role within the GSF and GMTG organizations. Schweizer is the lead organizer on the Global March to Gaza in Germany, explaining her role as an admin within the group.
Nearly all her Social Media activity is related to the Israel-Gaza war, with strong pro-Palestinian ideas and views. On her posts she either talk about Palestine, films riots / events and promotes the multiple marches to Gaza.
Melanie Schweizer - Fundraising Activity
Melanie also created a donation page, aimed at funding the GMTG, as of today she raised a total of 56,588 euros. This funding was used for the June 15th, 2025, March to Gaza event.
Subject Profile: Saliha Mamouni
Saliha Mamouni - Personal Identification Information
Saliha Mamouni - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Facebook: facebook.com/2438479433050922
  • Wattpad: wattpad.com/user/salihamamouni
  • Smule: smule.com/moasaliha
Microsoft & Other
  • Microsoft ID: B8203773A60CC163 - Last Seen: 8/10/2025 5:55:52 AM
  • Google ID: 103117540713938565577 – Last Seen: 8/12/2025 1:13:37 PM
  • PayPal: paypal.com/paypalme/juliettelescalt
Saliha's role within the organizations is less clear and usual than the others. Very little is known about who she is and what her influence within the operations are. Throughout her different accounts, including her Telegram username, she uses an alias: Juliette Lescalt. This is usually common for Telegram users but less common to re-use this alias on other platforms.
Saliha Mamouni - Telegram Communications
When analyzing her messages on Telegram, one message stood-out where she actively tells other members to "re-install Telegram" after passing border control, implying that they might have sensitive information on their Telegram accounts that they need to hide or that they could have hidden private chats.
Translation: "Once you've cleared customs, reinstall Telegram. The groups will return."
Subject Profile: Saif Abukshek
Saif Abukshek- Personal Identification Information
Saif Abukshek- Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Facebook: medium.com/@sabukeshek
  • Wattpad: goodreads.com/user/show/150260102-saif
  • Pinterest: pinterest.com/sabukeshek/
  • The Fork ID: 49a89447-5d1e-4a75-b9a0-5b9b6e74393c
  • Upwork: upwork.com/freelancers/~01e25c234d3273dec3
Microsoft & Other
  • Anghami:play.anghami.com/profile/736173
  • Google ID: 110818589905972039646 – Last Seen: 8/5/2025 12:32:42 PM
  • Dropbox ID: dbid:AAChaelYIU8VDvjQzipU0qEfkxSw6RJwXEA
  • Goodreads: goodreads.com/user/show/150260102-saif
Saif Abukeshek is a lead organizer and spokesperson for GMTG. He serves as the chair of the International Coalition Against the Israeli Occupation and is widely credited as one of the principal organizing figures behind the march and is also a representative of the GSF.
For instance, in one of the official press releases of GMTG, his contact as well the contact of 2 other Admins within the group are given.
Saif’s links to terror entities will be detailed in the last section of this report
Subject Profile: Hicham El Ghaoui
Hicham El Ghaoui - Personal Identification Information
Hicham El Ghaoui - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • Facebook: medium.com/@sabukeshek
  • Quora: quora.com//profile/Hicham-El-Ghaoui
  • Pinterest: pinterest.com/elghaouihicham/
  • The Fork ID: 49a89447-5d1e-4a75-b9a0-5b9b6e74393c
  • Upwork: upwork.com/freelancers/~01df0e4b0066296e7e
Google & Other
  • Duolingo: duolingo.com/profile/sena9242
  • Google ID: 102346603332812417184 – Last Seen: 8/12/2025 7:11:51 PM
  • Dropbox ID:dbid:AAAo097A2r_EsOlGm0ORPXvtFogUESWVaEc
  • AllTrails: alltrails.com/members/hicham-el-ghaoui
  • PlayGames: G15807855762942012161 - Last Seen: 7/27/2025 7:46:04 PM
El Gahoui is a doctor, orginally from France that has since moved to Switzerland. His role and presence within the structure suggest that he is one of the leaders and coordinators for the Swiss GMTG. Like the other he is mentioned on the organization’s websites
Profiling key takeaways
The process of De-Anonymization and profiling of the Admins from the Telegram group @marchtogazainternational allowed us to confirm the real identity of the individuals, and their presence within GSF/GMTG/FFC. From our research we believe that apart from Saif Abukeshek, no members seem to be high-ranking within the organization. They are all coordinators, helping the movement get reach and connecting people. As mentioned before, a closer look at Saif’s connections and links with terror entities will be detailed later in the report
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition: The Movement and the Boats
The Global Movement to Gaza, Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), and related initiatives like the Global Sumud Flotilla do not own the ships they use.
  • The vessels are not commercial shipping company property, nor are they owned by the NGOs themselves.
  • Instead, they are privately-owned civilian vessels, typically small cargo ships, fishing boats, or passenger vessels that were loaned, leased, or donated temporarily by “sympathetic” private owners for the specific purpose of participating in the flotilla.
  • The arrangement is often informal, meaning the ship remains under its owner’s legal title but is crewed and operated under the flotilla’s mission during the voyage.
Examples from past flotillas:
  • Mavi Marmara (2010): owned by Turkish NGO IHH and not by the flotilla coalition.
  • Madleen (2025): UK-flagged vessel operated under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition for the mission but not owned by the coalition.
  • Handala (2025): former Norwegian fishing vessel, provided for use in the flotilla but privately owned.
Handala (2025)
Madleen (2025)
Mavi Marmara (2010)
Zaher Birawi’s Direct Relation to the Boats
Zaher Birawi is a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. His direct connection to flotilla vessels is documented in multiple primary sources:
Mavi Marmara (2010):
A leaked Syrian government email from August 15, 2010, from George Galloway to Bouthaina Shaaban explicitly names Birawi (zkb****@hotmail.com) as one of two official liaisons for coordinating with Syrian officials on the flotilla’s departure from Latakia Port aboard the Mavi Marmara. His task was to handle “practical details,” meaning port permissions, schedules, and operational coordination.
Madleen mission (2025):
Media reports and activist briefings identify Birawi as a key organizer of the Madleen voyage, coordinating the mission’s planning, launch, and political framing. While not physically on board, he was instrumental in commissioning and arranging the mission.
In both cases, Birawi is not the vessel owner but plays a central role in selecting, securing, and coordinating the use of privately owned boats for flotilla missions.
Others Directly Related to the Boat's use
Documented individuals with direct logistical or operational roles in arranging flotilla vessels include:
  • Kevin Ovenden - Listed alongside Birawi in the 2010 Syrian correspondence as the only other official liaison for the VivaPalestina5 convoy.
  • Members of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition logistics teams - While names vary by mission, these include vessel skippers, maritime coordinators, and NGO representatives.
  • Private vessel owners - Identities are often undisclosed for security reasons, but they are the ones legally permitting the use of their ships for the mission and they are coordinating the boats’ delivery with Birawi himself.
Zaher Birawi’s history of leading the Marchs to Gaza
A document in Dutch was found, created on August 09, 2025, indicating of a preparation of a huge and massive boat trip to Gaza by Global March to Gaza organization.
The original document written in Dutch and the following is exact translation to English:
2025-08-09 Global Movement to Gaza – worldwide action @ Beursplein
gaza-flotilla
Global Movement to Gaza is in preparation of a huge massive boat trip to Gaza to the blockade to break through and survival material to bring, and people to save.
The despair is well felt this afternoon, while daily dozens of people in cold blood murdered are when they out of pure survival urge come towards what very cynically ‘humanitarian food distribution’ called is, and what in reality a target is for brainless genocide perpetrators.
Emotional, powerful, angry speeches are there from Mo Gotesh (PGNL) and Ester (Plant an Olive Tree), and there is an urgent message from Saïd read aloud by Dominique.
And a new song for Palestine: Viva Viva…Palestina…Bela Ciao, the resistance classic again renewed because of urgent actuality.
Gaza, Global Movement to Gaza, flotilla, PGNL, Plant an Olive Tree, Bela Ciao, live, radio, Patapoe
Voices on the Radio
tagline: the scream intensifies while hunger and Israeli bullets Gazans murder
cat: live report of action
Zaher Birawi’s history of leading the Marchs to Gaza
According to the recent campaign by the organization, a large amount of new boats are going to be sent directly to Gaza, with the same agenda.
Zaher Birawi claims that dozens of new ships will be sent in the next months, indicating he is not just the head of the international committee to break the siege on Gaza, but also directly connected to the boat’s logistics.
The following is a leaked email (Email-ID 2103172), published in the Syria Files from 2012, originating from the Syrian government’s email system and directly indicating Zaher Birawi as part of the operational team organizing the Gaza-bound flotilla, responsible for government-to-organizer coordination to get the ships moving.
Another leaked email from August 15, 2010, showing communication between George Galloway (Viva Palestina Arabia) and Bouthaina Shaaban (senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad), ties Zaher Birawi directly as an active organizer and logistical coordinator for a Gaza-bound flotilla, with responsibility for government-to-organizer arrangements to get the ships sailing.
One example of Zaher’s leading role in organizing the March is a Facebook Post from May 23rd, 2015, where he is named as the Coordinator of the International Committee to Break the Siege. This post shares the contact information of the committee’s delegates and collaborators.
Subject Profile: Zaher Birawi
Zaher Birawi - Personal Identification Information
Zaher Birawi - Related Accounts
Social Media
  • X / Twitter: x.com/zaher_birawi / x.com/zaherBirawi
  • Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/zaher-birawi-69a84947
  • Instagram: instagram.com/zaherbirawi
  • Fiverr: fiverr.com/zaherbirawi
Google & Other
  • Microsoft ID: 340CB7061B566F1C - Last Seen: 8/10/2025 10:30:40 PM
  • NY Times: 110018698
  • Eventbrite: 81794840799
Zaher Birawi - Owned Domains
  • paljerusalem.org
  • ourjerusalem.net
  • europalforum.info
  • paljerusalem.com
  • europalforum.org
  • freejerusalem.info
  • europalforum.com
  • europalforum.net
Funding Network of the March to Gaza
The funding network surrounding the March of Gaza revolves around two central hubs, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and the Global Campaign to Gaza (GCG), which function as major intermediaries for large-scale international donations. These hubs receive contributions from a diverse range of individuals and organizations across Europe, the UK, and Australia. The funds are transferred in euros (€), US dollars ($), and British pounds (£) before being distributed to smaller groups and individuals involved in pro-Palestinian activities.
Funding Network Graph
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is the most interconnected entity in this network. Significant donations to FFC include €80,601 from A Thousand Madleens to Gaza, €31,965 from the European Legal Support Center (Austria), and €33,067 from Free Gaza Australia. Other notable donors include Tarik (€5,541) and Michael Coleman (€95,000). Funds from the FFC are allocated to organizations such as Oversihee in Palestine (€36,342), the Global Samud Flotilla (€22,145), and individuals like A. Mauro (€7,605) and Michaeleana Perez (€3,601).
The Global Campaign to Gaza serves as the second major funding hub, drawing large sums particularly from Spain, Italy, and the UK. International Alternative De Catalonia stands out as the single largest donor, contributing four separate amounts: €320,000, €381,640, €32,188, and €5,787 — a combined total of €739,615. Other key contributions come from Gabriel Marcho Cause – UK (£60,000), Melanie Schweitzer (€55,000), and De Catolica UK (€4,205). Additionally, €11,673 is provided by the Global March to Gaza UK. Funds from this hub are passed to groups such as Front Line Defenders (€1,802), which in turn supports Hannah O’Sulivan, and to smaller campaigns like Irish Artists for Palestine, which received €99,208 and forwarded it to Piaras O’Brian.
This network demonstrates a multi-tiered funding model, where large institutional and individual donors transfer funds to central organizations, which then redistribute smaller amounts to activists and advocacy groups. The heavy involvement of International Alternative De Catalonia highlights concentrated financial influence, while the mix of currencies confirms a broad international scope. This report only shows a small sample of donations towards the MTGM, the amount of total donations exceeds the number shown after the table below
Largest Overall Donors (Merged Contributions, Highest to Lowest)
Total Recorded Funding in Network:
In Euros (€): €1,201,088 (not including GBP contributions)
In British Pounds (£): £60,000
Links Between the Organizations and Designated Terrorist Entities
Our research team found links between the GSF / GMTG / FFC and terror entities, via the representatives, steering committee and founders, who are or were tied to Hamas or Hamas-affiliates.
Global Sumud Flotilla and Hamas
Several members of the steering committee have engaged in meetings with officials from U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). In addition, they have provided funding to organizations in Gaza with documented links to Hamas. In a press release, the GSF mentioned multiple members as “Key representatives”. IntelEye’s team investigated these individuals, as well as other members of the steering committee.
Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri
Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri, who sits on the steering committee and founded the NGO Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), has financed multiple initiatives benefiting entities in Gaza tied to Hamas. Among these was the construction of a directorate building for the Ministry of Social Development, an institution operating under Hamas’ administration.
During the building’s opening ceremony, Al-Nuri appeared in photographs alongside Ghazi Hamad, a senior figure in the Hamas politburo. Hamad has recently asserted that the wave of Western governments recognizing a Palestinian state represents “the fruits” of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
On the left Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri and on the right Ghazi Hamad
Hayfa Mansouri
Hayfa has a long history of involvement in political initiatives, student unions, and youth movements. She has served as a consultant and trainer with various national and international organizations, emphasizing youth inclusion, civic engagement, and community resilience. In 2017, she co-founded the Coordination of Joint Action for Palestine, a civil society platform designed to unify and amplify solidarity efforts for Palestine across different organizations and communities. Her inclusion within GSF highlights her role in coordinating with other global figures and mobilizing support to establish a humanitarian corridor amid the ongoing crisis.
On the left Hayfa Mansouri and on the right Youssef Hamdan
Marouan Ben Guettaia
Another steering committee member, Marouan Ben Guettaia, has also been documented in photographs meeting with Youssef Hamdan, Hamas’ representative in Algeria. Reports indicate that their discussions centered on “ways to support relief and field efforts aimed at breaking the blockade.”
Such interactions, combined with similar engagements by other members, have heightened concerns that the flotilla’s activities may be serving political objectives aligned with designated terrorist organizations, rather than focusing solely on the delivery of humanitarian aid.
On the left Marouan Ben Guettaia and on the right Youssef Hamdan
Wael Nawar
Wael Nawar, also on the steering committee and formerly the coordinator/spokesperson for the Sumud Convoy, has engaged with representatives of Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
In May 2025, Nawar participated in a “media symposium” in Sfax, Tunisia, alongside Abed Al-Zarii, the PFLP’s Tunisia representative, who voiced the organisation’s full support for the Sumud Convoy. That same month, Nawar’s organisation — the Joint Action Coordination for Palestine — attended a meeting in Tunisia where senior members of Hamas, PFLP, and Fatah met with Tunisian political leaders. In an interview with Russian state-funded Sputnik, Nawar stated that “Tunisians today welcome the Palestinian resistance and support its narrative of the situation in Rafah,” with “Palestinian resistance” being a common euphemism for designated terrorist groups.
On the left Ihsan Attaya (PIJ Leader)and on the right Wael Nawar
Photographs further show Nawar with Hamas officials Youssef Hamdan (Algeria) and Ahmed Abd al-Hadi (Lebanon), as well as Ihsan Attaya, a PIJ leader in Lebanon. His social media also documents his attendance at memorial events in Lebanon for former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, where he was pictured alongside the flags of Hezbollah, PFLP, and PIJ.
On the left Wael Nawar and on the right Youssef Hamdan
Thiago Avila
Thiago, a Brazilian activist and former international coordinator of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, served as a crew member aboard the Madleen in June 2025 when the vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces. Following his arrest, he began a hunger strike to protest the blockade of Gaza. He was later deported to Brazil under the weight of international pressure.
Saif Abukshek
Saif Abukeshek, also a member of the steering committee, maintains affiliations with organisations in Europe that have been linked to Hamas. He serves on the General Secretariat of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) and is a member of the Coordinating Office of the Palestinian Initiative in Europe for National Action (EPINA). Both entities are assessed as operating as front organisations for Hamas.
PCPA and EPINA are relatively recent formations, created out of earlier networks such as the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG), and the European Network to End the Siege on Gaza (ENE) , all of which have documented historical ties to Hamas and had as one of their founders Zaher Birawi.
Zaher Birawi
Zaher Birawi has documented affiliations with both Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. On 5 September 2017, he was interviewed by Felesteen, Hamas’ official daily newspaper, under the headline: “Intensive movement of ships will go to break the siege of the Gaza Strip next summer.”
At the time, Birawi was serving as chairman of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza. In the interview, he discussed the logistical and legal challenges of organising flotillas to the Gaza Strip, as well as the broader “lawfare” efforts aimed at prosecuting senior Israeli officials in European courts. While acknowledging the obstacles faced by these maritime campaigns, Birawi stressed that their success should not be measured solely by whether the ships reached Gaza’s shores, but by the level of media attention and political awareness they generated.
In 1988, Birawi was interrogated by Israeli security forces over suspicions of involvement in riots in his village and incitement to riot. After relocating to Britain, he became active in Islamist circles, particularly in initiatives linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas is considered an offshoot.
In 1996, Birawi travelled briefly to the Gaza Strip, where he worked at the Islamic University in Gaza City, an academic institution under Hamas’ control. From 2001 to 2003, he served as chairman of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), an NGO affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, founded by Muhammad Sawalha, himself a former Hamas activist who fled to the UK.
Birawi later became chairman and media spokesperson for the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), holding the position until several years ago. He has also been a senior activist within the British Muslim Initiative (BMI), another organisation affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Britain, also headed by Muhammad Sawalha.
Birawi has also served on the board of trustees for Education Aid for Palestine (EAP), an organisation composed of activists affiliated with Hamas. EAP was founded in 1993 by Issam Yusuf, one of the original founders of Interpal in Britain, a fund implicated in transferring money to Hamas-linked charities.
According to the Global Muslim Brotherhood Daily, EAP operated under the Union of Good, an umbrella network known for channeling funds to Hamas. While EAP publicly presents itself as supporting Palestinians through education and vocational training, it has also been involved in anti-Israel activities, including the organisation of protests and demonstrations.
Zaher Birawi has also served as head of the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), a London-based institution known for conducting intensive political and propaganda campaigns against Israel. The PRC’s central focus is advocating for the return of all Palestinian refugees from 1948 to Israeli territory, while portraying Israel as solely responsible for the refugee issue.
According to the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC), the PRC is among the primary institutions in Britain affiliated with Hamas and its ideology. Several Hamas-linked activists who relocated to the UK have held senior positions on the PRC’s board of directors. This ideological alignment was a key factor behind Israel’s decision to outlaw the organisation on 27 December 2010.
The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) stated at the time that the PRC was designated as “an unrecognized association, since it belongs to Hamas.”
When Zaher Birawi settled in Britain during the 1990s, he became a trustee of a UK-based charity that was part of the Union of Good (UOG), a global Hamas fundraising network established under the guidance of its spiritual leader, Youssef Qaradawi.
In the media sphere, Zaher Birawi hosts programs on al-Hiwar, an Arabic-language television channel based in London and affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Hiwar has been known to disseminate Hamas messaging and maintains ties with Hamas’ al-Aqsa TV. In March 2009, Birawi arranged an al-Hiwar interview with Isma’il Haniyeh, then head of the de facto Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip. In July 2010, he rebroadcast an al-Aqsa TV program promoting convoys and flotillas bound for Gaza.
In the past Zaher Birawi was involved in dispatching convoys to the Gaza Strip ("Lifeline" convoys), organized by a British NGO called Viva Palestina. In ITIC assessment, he may have liaised between the organization and Hamas.
He participated as spokesman for a convoy which clashed with the Egyptian security forces in January 2010. Eventually part of the convoy entered the Gaza Strip and was received by senior Hamas figures.
Right to left: IHH leader Bülent Yildirim, first deputy to the chairman of the Hamas faction in the Palestinian Legislative Council Ahmed Bahar, British extreme leftist and Hamas supporter George Galloway, and Zaher Birawi.
In June 2025, Zaher Birawi was photographed alongside Greta Thunberg prior to the departure of the Madelen vessel. This image underscores the extent of his influence and the connections individuals linked to designated terrorist organizations maintain with ostensibly “peaceful” activists. Figures such as Birawi exploit the "peaceful" activists as unwitting conduits, turning them into decoys that attract media attention while advancing their own narratives. The episode highlights a sophisticated and carefully coordinated propaganda apparatus, orchestrated by influential actors with significant resources and strategic intent.
Lastly, in September 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet made a stop in Tunisia to gather more boats. Present at this stop, were many of the individuals mentioned in this report. Including the presence of European deputy Rima Hassan, who has been accused of finding legitimacy in the October 7th attacks and is the daughter of an ex-Assad soldier from Syria. The presence of Greta Thundberg is also alarming and shows of close individuals that are linked to Hamas (e.g. Wael Nawar) have influence in the Global March to Gaza movement, even having reach to the Government individuals, such as Rima Hassan.
From left to right: Wael Nawar (Black t-shirt), Greta Thundberg, Saif Abukshek, in the back Rima Hassan (black t-shirt)
Thiago Avila and Rima Hassan
Wael Nawar and Greta Thundberg
Update - 30/09/2025
On September 30th, 2025, documents found inside Gaza reveal and confirm the investigation findings. For example, the documents show how the PCPA was in direct link with Hamas, as the documents are from an official Hamas release, which praises the work of the PCPA and are signed by Ismael Haniyeh, Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas. The documents also validates the evidence found regarding the involvement of Zaher Birawi and Saif Abukshek, as they are both mentioned in Part 3 of the released documents.
The newly obtained documents corroborate earlier findings. The flotilla is conceived, financed, and controlled by Hamas-linked entities. Humanitarian language is deliberately employed as cover to mask its organizational and operational role.

Part 1
Translation of Part 1:

The Islamic Resistance Movement | Hamas-Palestine | Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas - Palestine
My beloved brother, Munir Shafiq Waldi
May God protect him
Secretary-General of the Popular Palestinian Conference Abroad
May God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you
I ask God that this message reaches you, your family, and all of our people, in good health and well-being.
It pleases me to send you and the brothers in the Popular Palestinian Conference Abroad my sincere greetings. May God grant you success in all good things, grant you from Him a supporting authority, destroy our enemy, and achieve the mass return of our people to their land and homeland.
My beloved brother
We, your brothers in the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, believe in the necessity and inevitability of ending the division and achieving national unity, strategic partnership, and national responsibility
Our people, our cause, and their right to achieve their freedom and establish their independent state, and a year for it, the Holy Father, and the achievement of the right of our people to return to the homeland from which they were expelled, and that the path to that passes through a necessary and strategic station in achieving national unity through which we will fight our battle with the usurping occupier with all its inhabitants together and together. This is the achievement of independence, and our nation from us that the free will of our people is the path to achieving this paradise and completing it and protecting it, we in the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, in light of the recent reserves witnessed by the Palestinian cause and the wave of normalization between some Arab countries and the Zionist entity, and in our awareness of the importance of time, and in light of the talk of some of our brothers with us, especially Egypt and Qatar, about the importance of resuming the path of reconciliation and researching articles that can: Ah, in that, the leadership of the movement has been working during the last period internally, and we have concluded that we are ready to proceed with the process of reconciliation and national partnership that
Part 2
Translation of Part 2:
we have gone through many of its stages, starting with the Cairo meetings, the last of which was the Istanbul understandings and the outcomes of the meeting of the General Secretaries held between Ramallah and Beirut. We are ready to accomplish these convergent steps.
  1. Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council.
  1. Elections for the Presidency of the Palestinian National Authority.
  1. Elections for the Palestinian Alawite Council
So that the elections are held consecutively and in a connected manner within a year and a half from the date of issuance of the presidential decree that specifies the dates for holding the elections. This will then move to a national dialogue to agree on all the details related to holding the elections on their dates. These arrangements can be accomplished through the Palestinian National Dialogue channel. We affirm and thank at the same time the efforts of our brothers in Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Russia, and everyone who contributes positively to this great effort and the guarantees they can provide to accomplish and complete this path, as they emphasized in their conversations the provision of the necessary guarantees to achieve the agreement.
May God guide them all to success in what serves the people, its cause, and its
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
Your brother, Haniyeh
Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas
25 Jumada al-Awwal, 1442 AH.
Saturday, January 9, 2021 AD
Part 3
Translation Part 3:
19 - Zaher Birawi - Founder and President of the European Palestinian Communication Forum - London
20 - Ziad Aloul - Chairman of the Palestinian Sports Authority in London - Britain
21 - Sally Issa - Palestinian Academic Activist
22 - Salman Abu Sitta - Chairman of the Palestine Land Society - Kuwait
23 - Samir Al-Qaryouti - Freelance Journalist - Italy
24 - Suhail Abu Shamala - Chairman of the Palestinian Gathering in Germany - Europe
25 - Saif Abu Kishk - Palestinian Activist in Spain - Spain
Investigation Assessment
Findings Overview
This investigation has identified significant links between the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), its sub-groups , the Global March to Gaza (GMTG) and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), and designated terrorist organisations. These connections span a multi-layered global funding architecture as well as direct personal relationships between senior figures in the flotilla network and members of Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
Key Connections and Networks
Evidence points to the flotilla’s leadership, including its founder, Zaher Birawi, and multiple GSF steering committee members, maintaining enduring, high-level associations with Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist entities. These links operate through a blend of official organisations, charitable fronts, and personal networks, allowing the groups to move funding and resources while retaining plausible deniability.
The relationships form part of a globally dispersed support infrastructure for Hamas, enabling the group to project influence well beyond the Middle East. Funding and organisational partnerships reach across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, creating channels for both overt advocacy and covert operational benefit.
Information Operations and Psychological Impact
Hamas’ public relations capability is central to this network. Through coordinated messaging, emotional appeals, and sustained international campaigning, the group successfully mobilises civilian populations to act, often unwittingly, in ways that serve Hamas’ strategic objectives. This psychological warfare approach reframes militant agendas as humanitarian causes, drawing in broad-based support while masking the leadership’s operational role.
By placing sympathetic or ideologically aligned figures at the forefront of high-visibility campaigns, Hamas can keep its senior leadership “in the dark” operationally, protecting them from direct exposure. Meanwhile, the narrative work carried out by flotilla-linked networks generates political pressure, fosters international sympathy, and provides cover for ongoing Hamas-linked activities in Europe that otherwise risk detection.
IntelEye: Comprehensive Intelligence Solutions