When King’s College London publicly expressed support for Hasnain Jafer following his detention aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, it did more than respond to a developing situation involving a member of its community. It inserted itself into a political controversy that raises uncomfortable questions about the relationship between universities, student activism, and organizations accused of ties to Hamas.

To understand why, it is necessary to understand what the flotilla actually is.

Every few years since Hamas forced Israel to impose a blockade on Gaza in 2007, extremists attempt to breach Israeli-controlled waters in the name of “breaking the blockade.” Their efforts are usually rooted in the false claim that Israel prevents humanitarian aid and essential goods from reaching Gaza. At least, that’s the pretense that virtually every set of activists have given. 

The majority of these attempts end without controversy. Activists are typically detained before they reach shore and, provided they commit no additional crimes, are deported back to their home countries shortly afterward. The inconsequential amounts of aid aboard the vessels are usually transferred into Gaza through established channels, while contraband such as weapons or “dual-use” materials that........

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