FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from MP Jenny Kwan on the Interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla
I am deeply alarmed by reports that multiple civilian vessels participating in the humanitarian Global Sumud Flotilla have been intercepted in international waters and that numerous civilian participants, including Canadians, have been detained and forcibly transported by Israeli naval forces.
According to statements issued by organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, hundreds of participants—including doctors, journalists, and human rights defenders representing more than 40 nations—were aboard the flotilla at the time of the interception.
Among those intercepted are:
- Michael France, aboard the Blue Toys;
- Omar Shaban, aboard the Abodes;
- Safa Chebbi, aboard the Amazon;
- Sebastian Peter Wittenberg Tow, aboard the Last Dream;
- Raees Ahmed, aboard the Umut; and
- Umir Tiar, aboard the Isias.
In addition, Shahid Mahmood, aboard the Kasr I, is reportedly at risk of interception.
These individuals were participating in a civilian humanitarian initiative. Their safety, wellbeing, and legal protections must be upheld in accordance with international law and international humanitarian principles.
I urgently call on the Government of Canada to publicly and directly intervene with Global Affairs Canada and all relevant diplomatic authorities to:
- Demand immediate information regarding the whereabouts and condition of Canadian participants;
- Demand immediate consular access and protection for all Canadians involved;
- Oppose any unlawful detention, transfer, or mistreatment of civilian participants;
- Call for the immediate protection and release of all civilians intercepted; and
- Demand that the flotilla be allowed safe passage and that humanitarian civilians in international waters not be subjected to military interception.
The allegations emerging from previous flotilla interceptions, including reports of severe physical abuse and mistreatment of detainees, are deeply troubling and heighten concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of those currently detained.
Furthermore, as the interception and distress situation reportedly occurred within the Cyprus Search and Rescue (SAR) zone, Cypriot authorities have an obligation to urgently intervene to protect civilian lives and respond to distress signals transmitted by the flotilla.
I therefore call for the immediate intervention of the Cyprus Coast Guard and Search and Rescue services regarding the ongoing interception of the civilian humanitarian Global Sumud Flotilla currently taking place within the Cyprus SAR zone.
Canada must stand firmly for the protection of civilians, adherence to international humanitarian law, the safeguarding of humanitarian action at sea, and the urgent pursuit of peace, human rights, and the protection of all civilians affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
