Three activists hailing from Newfoundland are still in detention in Israel after their involvement in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that was intercepted at sea a few days ago. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton, residents of Newfoundland, were on board the Conscience, one of nine vessels aiming to reach Gaza. The Israeli forces halted the flotilla on Wednesday and apprehended numerous activists, including the trio from Newfoundland and three other Canadians.
The organizers of the flotilla criticized the detentions as “arbitrary and unlawful.” The Israeli foreign ministry stated that the detained flotilla members are in good health and will be brought ashore for processing before being deported. According to CTV News, the other three Canadian detainees, including a Montreal doctor, have been released.
Vicki Axford, Sadie Mees’ aunt, mentioned that their family has limited information about the situation. Axford stated that there have been no updates since yesterday but indicated that Sadie is coping well under the circumstances.
Global Affairs Canada communicated to CBC News via email that the Canadian flotilla activists are either in the process of deportation or have already been deported. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urged all Canadians detained by Israel to accept Ottawa’s consular support to return home.
Approximately two years ago, a Hamas-led attack on Israel resulted in the death of around 1,200 individuals and the hostage-taking of 251 others on October 7, 2023. This incident triggered a conflict where Israel responded militarily, causing over 67,000 casualties in the Palestinian territory, as per Palestinian reports. A ceasefire agreement is expected to be implemented soon, leading to the release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.