Two Canadians Released After Israel Intercepts Aid Boats

Two Canadians detained by the Israeli navy while attempting to break the blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid have been released. The individuals, identified as Marie Tota and Umir Tiar, were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla

The activists were part of a second flotilla launched in recent months to deliver assistance to Gaza. The ships departed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on April 12.

According to Safa Chebbi, a spokesperson for Global Sumud Canada, Tota is a nurse from Ontario and Tiar is a student from Quebec City. Both were reported to be in a hospital for medical checkups following their release.

A third Canadian, Luiza Noura, was rescued by Greenpeace and the Spanish NGO Open Arms after her vessel was destroyed, leaving her adrift in the sea.

The Israeli navy intercepted nearly 180 activists this week in international waters, hundreds of kilometers from the coast of Gaza. While most have been released, Israel continues to hold a Brazilian citizen and a Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin for questioning.

Allegations of Abuse

Following her release, Umir Tiar posted a video on social media describing inhumane conditions aboard the ship where they were held. She alleged that floors were deliberately flooded and some captives were placed in isolation.

Tiar further claimed that some activists were beaten, shot at with rubber bullets, and dragged across the floor by their arms and necks.

In a statement released by Global Sumud Canada, Marie Tota said she was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse for attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to the accusations on Thursday, stating that the activists were removed from the flotilla vessels “unharmed.”