A trio of individuals from Newfoundland who were detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla en route to Gaza have been released, as confirmed by a family member of one of the three women. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton were part of a group aboard the Conscience, one of nine vessels aiming to reach Gaza, and were apprehended by Israeli authorities on Wednesday. Vicki Axford, Mees’s aunt, revealed to CBC News that the trio has now regained their freedom and were able to communicate with their families early on Sunday.
They have safely arrived in Jordan, as reported in a Facebook post by local activist group Palestine Action YYT. Axford mentioned that the earliest possible time for their return home could be early Tuesday morning. While expressing relief, Axford emphasized that the mission to deliver aid to Palestinians, which the women embarked on, remains unfinished due to ongoing occupation and restricted humanitarian aid access.
The Israeli government recently agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, leading to the suspension of hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and the release of Israeli captives within 72 hours thereafter. Political figures in Newfoundland and Labrador had urged collaboration with the federal government to secure the release of the detained women. NDP Leader Jim Dinn emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue and mentioned initiatives such as a motion by the City of St. John’s for a two-way arms embargo with Israel.
Dinn stressed the importance of national and provincial cooperation to achieve lasting peace, underscoring the interconnectedness of global issues. He highlighted the role of all government levels in promoting peace efforts. Liberal Leader John Hogan and PC Leader Tony Wakeham have been approached for comment by CBC News. Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson expressed gratitude to consular officials and Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their efforts in facilitating the women’s release, expressing relief that they are now on their way back home.
