Canadians from Gaza flotilla return to Canada after detainment by Israeli forces
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Some of the12 Canadians who were part of a flotilla attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza are returning to Canada this weekend.
The Canadians were detained by Israeli forces last week and reportedly abused in custody before being sent to Turkey.
Lynda Khelil with Global Sumud Flotilla, the movement’s organizer, said Safa Chebbi and Ehab Lotayef arrived in Montreal from Turkey on Saturday, while Shahid Mahmood touched down in Toronto.
Six others were expected to arrive in Toronto and Vancouver on Sunday.
Global Sumud Flotilla said one Canadian was still in Turkey and two Canadians were on their way to other destinations.
On Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she had received details from Turkish officials that the Canadians suffered “appalling abuse” while in custody and they were receiving urgent medical care in Turkey.
Israeli prison officials have denied any abuse.
The Canadians were among 420 people on 41 boats intercepted by Israel as they attempted to bring a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza amid Israel’s restrictions.
Aid groups say Israel has blocked assistance from reaching Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis continues to unfold following the war launched by Israel in response to the Hamas attack in October 2023.
After the Canadians were detained, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, published a video of himself taunting the activists while they were kneeling, and had their faces to the ground with their hands bound.
Global Affairs Canada said it has summoned Iddo Moed, the Israeli ambassador in Canada, and condemned the “mistreatment of civilians and demanded that those responsible for this egregious abuse be held responsible.”
Global Affairs said consular officials were on the ground in Turkey to ensure the Canadians received the care they needed so they could return home.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2026.