Three individuals from Newfoundland are reportedly still being held in Israel after their Gaza-bound aid flotilla was intercepted at sea. The activists, Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton, were on board the vessel known as the Conscience, which was part of a flotilla consisting of nine ships aiming to reach Gaza. Israeli forces halted the flotilla’s progress on Wednesday, detaining numerous activists, including the trio from Newfoundland and three other Canadians.
The organizers of the flotilla criticized the detentions as being arbitrary and unlawful. Israeli authorities stated that the detained participants were in good health and would undergo processing before being deported to their home countries. While the Newfoundland activists remain in custody, it has been reported that the three other Canadians, including a Montreal doctor, have been released.
Limited information is available regarding the situation, with Vicki Axford, Sadie Mees’ aunt, expressing concerns about the lack of updates. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the Canadian activists are either in the process of being deported or have already been deported. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urged all detained Canadians to accept consular assistance to facilitate their return home.
Recent historical events involving conflict in the region were mentioned, including a previous attack by Hamas on Israel leading to casualties and hostages. A ceasefire agreement is expected to be implemented soon, resulting in the release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
