A group of three Newfoundlanders detained by Israel aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla have been released, according to a relative of one of the three women.
Newfoundlanders Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees and Nikita Stapleton were on board. the Conscience, one of nine ships in a flotilla that aimed to reach Gaza. They were detained by Israel on Wednesday.
Speaking to CBC News on Sunday, Vicki Axford, Mees’ aunt, said they have now been released and were able to speak to the family early Sunday morning.
“[I’m feeling] Overwhelming relief that Sadie, Nikita and Dev have been freed from, you know, a desert prison. And that they are safe and on their way home,” Axford said.
Ellis, Mees and Stapleton arrived safely in Jordan, according to a Facebook post by local activist group Palestine Action YYT.
Axford said the earliest the group could get home is early Tuesday morning.
While Axford said the family is relieved, she added that the mission the women came to accomplish — bringing aid to the Palestinians — remains unfinished.
“They are still occupied, humanitarian aid is still not allowed in,” he said.
“I’ve been inspired myself to be more vocal. I can’t jump on a boat like they did, but, you know, they’ve taught me that I can use my voice, and I really hope that others have been inspired by that, too.”
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 release Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours.
Political leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador had called for working with the federal government for women’s liberation. 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.
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