Hamas-Linked Figure Tied to Organization Behind Greta Thunberg’s Gaza-Bound Vessel — The Telegraph

 

Zaher Birawi, a London-based Palestinian-British journalist whom Israel has designated as a Hamas operative, has been identified as a central figure within the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — the group behind the Gaza-bound humanitarian vessel Madleen — according to a report published Monday by The Telegraph.

Birawi, who has long presented himself as a founding member of the coalition, actively participated in the launch of the Madleen from Sicily, even broadcasting the departure via livestream. The vessel was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in international waters on Monday morning, with 12 activists detained, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

The IDF has since begun deportation procedures for those on board.

Both the Israeli Knesset and the UK Parliament have previously cited Birawi for his alleged ties to Hamas. The Telegraph notes that Birawi serves as a trustee for the UK-registered charity "Education Aid for Palestinians" and had publicly hosted a 2019 London event titled Understanding Hamas.

British Labour MP Christian Wakeford referenced Birawi’s activities in an address to the House of Commons in October 2023.

Israel first labeled Birawi a Hamas operative in 2013. In addition, he serves as chairman of the EuroPal Forum — an organization designated as a terrorist entity by Israel in 2021.

Photographic evidence also shows Birawi in the company of former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in July 2024.

Despite the allegations, Birawi has denied any involvement in illegal or terrorism-related activities.