A trio of individuals from Newfoundland who were detained by Israel while on a flotilla heading for Gaza have been released, as confirmed by a family member of one of the women involved. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were onboard the vessel named the Conscience, part of a larger flotilla aiming to reach Gaza. They were apprehended by Israeli authorities on Wednesday.
Vicki Axford, Mees’s aunt, revealed to CBC News that the three have been liberated and were able to connect with their families early Sunday morning. Axford expressed immense relief that the trio is safe and en route back home after being released from what she described as a desert prison.
According to a post by local activist group Palestine Action YYT, Ellis, Mees, and Stapleton have safely made their way to Jordan. Axford mentioned that the earliest possible arrival time for the group back home is early Tuesday morning.
While the families are relieved by their release, Axford emphasized that the mission of providing aid to Palestinians, which the women set out to accomplish, remains unfinished. She highlighted the ongoing occupation and the restrictions on humanitarian aid reaching the Palestinians as concerning issues.
Israel recently ratified a ceasefire with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, which paved the way for halting hostilities in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. Political leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador had urged collaboration with the federal government to secure the women’s freedom.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn emphasized the non-partisan nature of the issue, stating that efforts for peace and ceasefire transcend political affiliations. The City of St. John’s passed a motion urging Ottawa to impose a two-way arms embargo with Israel, a measure Dinn intends to address in the House of Assembly.
Dinn stressed the importance of collective action at all levels of government to support lasting peace efforts on a global scale. Liberal Leader John Hogan and PC Leader Tony Wakeham have been approached for comments by CBC News.
Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson expressed gratitude towards consular officials and Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their role in securing the women’s release. Thompson shared in the relief that the trio is on their way back home.
The situation underscores the interconnectedness of global affairs and the shared responsibility of governments to promote peace and resolution of conflicts.