A group of three Newfoundlanders detained by Israel aboard a flotilla bound for Gaza have been freed, according to a family member of one of the three women.
Newfoundlanders Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees and Nikita Stapleton were aboard the Conscience, one of nine vessels in a flotilla that had aimed to reach Gaza. They were detained by Israel on Wednesday.
Speaking with CBC News on Sunday, Vicki Axford, Mees’s aunt, said they have now been freed and were able to speak to family early Sunday morning.
“[I’m feeling] overwhelming relief that Sadie and Nikita and Dev have been released from a, you know, a desert prison. And that they’re safe and their on their way home,” Axford said.
Ellis, Mees and Stapleton have safely arrived in Jordan, according to a Facebook post from local activist group Palestine Action YYT.
Axford said the earliest the group could arrive home is early Tuesday morning.
While Axford said the family is relieved, she added the mission the women went to do— to bring aid to Palestinians — remains unfinished.
“They’re still being occupied, there’s humanitarian aid still not being allowed in,” she said.
“I myself have been inspired to be more vocal. I can’t get on a boat like they did, but, you know, they’ve taught me that I can use my voice, and I’m really hoping that others have been inspired by that as well.”
Israel’s government ratified a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours after that.
Political leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador had called to work with the federal government for the women’s release. CBC News has asked Liberal Leader John Hogan, PC Leader Tony Wakeham and NDP Leader Jim Dinn for comment.
CBC News also asked Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson for comment.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
