Three activists hailing from Newfoundland are reportedly still under detainment in Israel following the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla they were part of. Among them are Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton, who were onboard the Conscience, one of the nine vessels in the flotilla attempting 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 condemned the detentions as “arbitrary and unlawful.” Israeli authorities stated that the detained flotilla members, including the Newfoundland activists, are in good health and will be processed onshore before being deported. While the activists from Newfoundland are still in custody, reports from CTV News indicate that the other three Canadians, including a Montreal doctor, have been released.
Vicki Axford, Sadie Mees’ aunt, expressed the family’s limited knowledge of the situation, mentioning a lack of updates since the previous day. Axford shared that Sadie appears to be coping well given the circumstances. Global Affairs Canada informed CBC News that the Canadian activists from the flotilla are either in the process of deportation or have already been deported.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand had urged all detained Canadians to accept consular assistance from Ottawa to facilitate their return home. Recent history includes a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. This event triggered a conflict with a significant death toll. A ceasefire agreement is on the horizon, promising the release of all remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
