A trio of individuals from Newfoundland who were detained by Israel while aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla have been released, as confirmed by a relative of one of the women involved. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were on the vessel named the Conscience, part of a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza. The trio was apprehended by Israeli authorities on Wednesday.
Vicki Axford, Mees’s aunt, informed CBC News that the three have regained their freedom and were able to communicate with family members early on Sunday. Axford expressed immense relief at their release from what she described as a desert prison and their safety en route back home.
The trio has safely reached Jordan, as reported in a Facebook update by local activist group Palestine Action YYT. Axford mentioned that the earliest possible time for their return home is early Tuesday morning. While grateful for the release, Axford emphasized that the mission the women embarked on, to deliver aid to Palestinians, remains unfinished due to ongoing occupation and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
Israel recently reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for ending hostilities in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives. Newfoundland and Labrador’s political leaders, including NDP Leader Jim Dinn, had urged collaboration with the federal government to secure the women’s release. The City of St. John’s passed a motion urging Ottawa to enforce a two-way arms embargo with Israel, a measure Dinn intends to raise in the House of Assembly.
Dinn stressed the importance of global connections and collective efforts to achieve lasting peace, affirming the role of all levels of government in promoting peace. Liberal Leader John Hogan and PC Leader Tony Wakeham have been approached for comment by CBC News. Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson expressed gratitude towards consular officials and Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their efforts in facilitating the women’s release.
The situation highlights the significance of international cooperation and advocacy for peace, resonating beyond provincial borders. The release of the Newfoundlanders underscores the ongoing efforts to address humanitarian concerns and promote peaceful resolutions in conflict zones.
