Montreal, October 6, 2025 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is calling on the Canadian government to ensure the safety and protection of Canadian citizens aboard the Sumud Flotilla, who were kidnapped in international waters and illegally detained by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza.

The flotilla was part of an international civilian effort to challenge Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza and to deliver vital aid supplies to Palestinians facing forced starvation. Israel illegally intercepted the 44 boats in international waters as they were converging toward Gaza, unlawfully detaining three Canadians, including Zaheera Soomar and Rabab Moustapha, as has been confirmed by Global Affairs Canada and Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

Six other Canadians from the Canadian Boat to Gaza initiative are part of the next wave of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is expected to reach Palestine in less than three days. Their names are Mskwaasin Agnew, Devoney Ellis, Nimâ Machouf, Sadie Mees, Khurram Musti Khan, and Nikita Stapleton. CJPME is gravely concerned about the participants’ well-being in light of Israel’s illegal military drone attacks against two of the flotilla’s vessels last month, and the blatant torture and physical abuse that detainees have reported while in Israeli custody.

“Canada must act immediately to ensure the protection of its citizens participating in this humanitarian mission to help end the genocide in Gaza,” said Michael Bueckert, Acting President of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME). CJPME fully supports the Canadian Boat to Gaza and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and endorses their demands for Canada to insist that Israel immediately release all flotilla participants as required by international law, demand safe passage for all humanitarian aid, and impose sanctions to stop Israel’s genocide.