Three activists from Newfoundland are currently being held in Israel following the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla they were part of. The individuals identified as Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were on board the vessel known as “the Conscience,” which was one of nine ships in the flotilla aiming to reach Gaza. Israeli forces seized the flotilla and detained numerous activists, including the trio from Newfoundland and three other Canadians.
The organizers of the flotilla criticized the detainments as being both “arbitrary and unlawful.” Israel’s foreign ministry has stated that the detained activists are in good health and will undergo processing before being deported. While the Newfoundland activists remain in custody, reports from CTV News indicate that the other three Canadian detainees, including a Montreal doctor, have been released.
Vicki Axford, the aunt of Sadie Mees, mentioned that the family has limited information about the situation. She expressed that there has been no recent news and that her niece seems to be managing well given the circumstances.
According to Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian activists from the flotilla 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 from Ottawa to facilitate their return home.
The detention of the activists comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with a past attack by Hamas resulting in casualties and hostages. However, a ceasefire agreement is on the horizon, which is expected to lead to the release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.