Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that two Canadian citizens have been detained in Israel following the interception of a flotilla en route to Gaza aimed at breaching Israel’s blockade of the region. The department stated that consular officials are liaising with local authorities to provide support to those in need.
The initiative, organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), involved over 40 civilian vessels carrying medicine and food to Gaza. Among the participants were approximately 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, including renowned Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced on social media that 137 individuals from the Hamas-Sumud flotilla were deported to Turkey, comprising citizens from various countries such as the U.S., Morocco, and Switzerland. However, Canadian citizens were not specifically mentioned in the post.
All participants in the flotilla are expected to be swiftly deported, as stated by the ministry. The blockade on Gaza was imposed by Israel in 2007 after Hamas assumed control of the enclave, leading to multiple attempts by activists to deliver aid by sea.
Despite the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, some Canadians are continuing their journey to Gaza via the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The interception has triggered significant protests in major European cities, with large gatherings in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and London.
In Rome, demonstrators rallied in support of Gaza, with participants waving Palestinian flags during a march near the Colosseum. Similar protests took place in other cities, including Paris and Barcelona. Additionally, Italian unions organized a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla, drawing millions to demonstrations across the country.