Two Canadians were detained by Israel after their boats were intercepted during a mission to challenge the long-standing naval blockade of Gaza, according to Canadian flotilla organizers on Thursday. The individuals were identified as Marie Tota and Umir Tiar by the Global Sumud Flotilla. Tota, a nurse from Ontario, and Tiar, a student from Quebec City, were part of the group attempting to break the blockade.
Israeli forces detained over 180 activists in international waters by intercepting 22 boats in the flotilla, as confirmed by Safa Chebbi, the spokesperson for Global Sumud Canada. Organizer Ehab Lotayef, associated with the Freedom Flotilla, revealed that the interception occurred west of the Greek island of Crete, over 500 nautical miles away from Israel and Gaza. The detained individuals have not been reached out to as of yet.
The interception disrupted the plans of Lotayef and five other Canadians to join the flotilla from Barcelona earlier in the month. Lotayef criticized Israel’s actions, stating that intercepting the boats so far from their own shores was an illegal act, considering the unarmed civilians aboard were on a humanitarian mission to assist Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, assured that all detained participants were unharmed and would be transported to Greece soon. The Greek government was appreciated for agreeing to receive the flotilla participants.
Global Sumud Canada reported that Israeli forces disrupted communications, damaged several ships, and left activists stranded at sea on powerless boats during the interception. A Canadian woman was rescued by Greenpeace and Spanish NGO Open Arms after being marooned on a vandalized boat. Chebbi mentioned that she and another Canadian are still sailing.
Lotayef urged the Canadian government to ensure the safe return of the detained Canadians and take necessary actions. Global Sumud Canada called for immediate consular intervention for Tota and Tiar while urging the federal government to demand an end to the blockade and support the safe passage of the flotilla to Gaza.
The world cannot remain indifferent to Israel’s actions in extending its control to European waters, as stated by the Global Sumud Flotilla. The organization emphasized the need to address Israel’s expanding influence and escalation of impunity. International law experts debate the legality of Israel enforcing a naval blockade in international waters.
Turkey’s foreign ministry condemned the seizure of boats in the flotilla as an act of piracy, violating humanitarian principles and international law. The ministry expressed solidarity with the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla in highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In previous incidents, Israel detained activists during the Global Sumud Flotilla, including prominent figures like Greta Thunberg and Nelson Mandela’s grandson. The participants were later deported, with allegations of mistreatment by Israeli authorities. The current interception marked a significant deviation from past practices, raising concerns about Israel’s military actions.
The ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants has resulted in numerous casualties in Gaza, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The fragile ceasefire has somewhat reduced hostilities, but the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with limited aid reaching the population through controlled border crossings.