The Foreign Ministry called the flotilla making its way to Gaza a "provocation." In a statement, it said: "The flotilla joins hands with professional provocateurs - with the aim of sabotaging President Trump's peace plan's transition to its second phase, and to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm." The statement also said: "Like previous provocations, this is also a public relations stunt - a provocation without humanitarian aid. As the international media has exposed, these are professional provocateurs on pleasure boats, addicted to self-promotion."