News
Canadians Join Flotilla to Gaza Despite Risk of Detention
A new international flotilla including Canadians intends to deliver aid to Gaza, departing in April. Participants are aware of the risk of detention by Israeli forces, similar to past missions.
More than 100 boats with 3,000 participants from around the world plan to depart from ports in Spain and Italy on April 12 for Gaza. Safa Chebbi, spokesperson for the Canadian arm of the Global Sumud Flotilla, said the mission intends to deliver medicine and other life-saving supplies. The Freedom Flotilla's Canadian branch is joining with the Global Sumud Flotilla for this sailing, according to Ehad Lotayef, one of its founders. Participants include health-care workers, journalists, and builders. Lotayef said that detention is likely, as happened to him in 2011, when he was held in Israel for a week. Chebbi said participants receive training to prepare them for possible violence if taken into custody.
Key Facts
- The flotilla aims to deliver aid and break the naval blockade of Gaza.
- The international fleet expects to depart on April 12 from Spanish and Italian ports.
- Six Canadians were detained last fall when attempting a similar mission.
- The Freedom Flotilla has been attempting to land ships in Gaza since 2010.
- The joint sailing includes the Freedom Flotilla and the Global Sumud Flotilla.
- Participants are receiving training in preparation for possible detention.
- The flotilla includes health-care workers, journalists, and builders.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Global News — Canadians plan to sail to Gaza despite detention risks