Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that two Canadian citizens have been arrested in Israel after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla en route to Gaza in an attempt to breach the blockade. The department stated that consular officials are in touch with local authorities and are providing assistance to those in need. The total number of Canadian citizens involved in the initiative, led by the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), remains unconfirmed.
The flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian vessels carrying medicine and food to Gaza, included about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, such as Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. According to a social media post by the Israel Foreign Ministry, 137 individuals from the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been deported to Turkey, representing various nationalities, excluding Canadians.
The ministry indicated that all participants in the flotilla would be swiftly deported. Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has maintained a naval blockade on the region, leading to multiple attempts by activists to deliver aid by sea.
The GSF released a statement alleging that activists were forcibly taken to Israel, along with their vessels, and were treated poorly, with communication jammed and some subjected to degrading treatment. Despite the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, Canadians are still en route to Gaza via the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Protests erupted in major European cities in response to the interception, with large gatherings in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and London. In Rome, demonstrators marched in support of Gaza, with similar rallies held across Italy. Italian unions staged a general strike backing the flotilla, drawing millions to the streets, while the interior ministry estimated a turnout of around 400,000.
The interception of the flotilla has stirred international outrage and solidarity, with continued efforts to reach Gaza despite the challenges faced.
