Canadians detained in Israel over Gaza-bound flotilla: Global Affairs

This frame grab from video released by the Global Sumud Flotilla shows Israeli navy soldiers aboard one of the flotilla's vessels after it was intercepted as it approached the coast of Gaza early Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (Global Sumud Flotilla via AP)

Global Affairs Canada says two Canadian citizens have been detained in Israel in connection with the Global Sumud Flotilla, a pro-Palestinian initiative that sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea.

“Consular officials are in touch with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to those who request it,” the department said in a statement to CTV News. “Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed.”

The statement also urged Israeli authorities to “ensure the safety of all flotilla participants and to provide timely access to consular services to support their swift return.”

• Montreal doctor part of flotilla delivering aid to Gaza undeterred by Israeli interceptions

The Global Sumud Flotilla, organized to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, includes doctors, artists, clergy, lawmakers and activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.

“Our efforts build on decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity,” the group says on its website. “Though we belong to/hold different nations, faiths and political beliefs, we are united by a single truth: the siege and genocide must end.”

The Israeli navy began intercepting the boats on Wednesday.

On Saturday, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on social media that 137 individuals involved in what it referred to as the “Hamas-Sumud flotilla” had been deported to Turkiye.

It mentioned that those on board were citizens of 14 countries, including the United States, Morocco and Switzerland, but did not name Canada among them.

Global Affairs Canada is advising Canadians to avoid all travel to Palestine.

“The Government of Canada is not able to guarantee the safety of Canadian travellers or to provide them with security and protection abroad,” it said. “The decision to travel is personal, and individuals are responsible for their own safety abroad.”

For more information on Canada’s consular services, Canadians can visit the federal government’s consular services page. Additional details on travel risks and advisories are available on the government’s travel advice and advisories website.