News
Canadians Join Flotilla to Gaza Amidst Detention Risk Concerns
A new international flotilla with Canadian participants plans to sail to Gaza in April to deliver aid. Participants are aware of the risk of interception and detention by Israeli forces, similar to a previous incident where six Canadians were detained.
More than 100 boats and 3,000 participants from around the world are scheduled to depart from ports in Spain and Italy on April 12 as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to Safa Chebbi, spokesperson for the Canadian branch. The international aid effort intends to deliver medicine and other life-saving supplies. The Freedom Flotilla has joined with the Global Sumud Flotilla for this sailing, according to Ehad Lotayef, a founder of the Freedom Flotilla’s Canadian branch. Chebbi stated that health-care workers, journalists, and builders are participating in the mission. Lotayef said that participants receive training to prepare them for possible violence if they are taken into custody. Lotayef said detentions are expected, a reality he experienced himself in 2011 when he was held in Israel for a week.
Key Facts
- The Global Sumud Flotilla plans to depart for Gaza from Spanish and Italian ports on April 12.
- The flotilla aims to deliver aid and break the naval blockade of Gaza.
- Six Canadians were previously detained by Israel for attempting a similar mission.
- More than 3,000 participants from around the globe are expected to participate.
- The Freedom Flotilla has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla for this mission.
- Participants include health-care workers, journalists, and builders.
- Participants receive training to prepare them for possible violence if taken into custody.
- Detentions by Israeli forces are anticipated.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Global News — Canadians plan to sail to Gaza despite detention risks