Three individuals from Newfoundland who were detained by Israel while onboard a flotilla en route to Gaza have been released, confirmed a family member. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were part of the group aboard the vessel named the Conscience, one of nine ships aiming to reach Gaza. They were taken into custody by Israeli authorities on Wednesday.
Vicki Axford, Mees’s aunt, shared with CBC News that the trio has been freed and managed to communicate with their families early Sunday morning. Axford expressed immense relief that Sadie, Nikita, and Dev were out of a desert prison and en route to safety. The three individuals have safely reached Jordan, as reported by the local activist group Palestine Action YYT.
Axford mentioned that the earliest possible time for their return home is early Tuesday morning. Despite the relief felt by the families, Axford emphasized that the mission the women embarked on, which was to provide aid to Palestinians, remains incomplete. She highlighted the ongoing occupation and the hindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the region.
The Israeli government recently agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, allowing for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours. Political figures in Newfoundland and Labrador had urged cooperation with the federal government to secure the release of the women.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn emphasized that this issue transcended party lines and advocated for a two-way arms embargo with Israel, a motion supported by the City of St. John’s. Dinn stressed the importance of working collectively for lasting peace, stating that all levels of government have a responsibility in promoting peace.
Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson expressed gratitude towards consular officials and Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their efforts in facilitating the release of the detained individuals. She acknowledged the relief shared by many as the trio makes their way back home.
