Video still from Global Sumud Flotilla.
Front Line Defenders has described the Global Sumud Flotilla as carrying human rights defenders, unionists, lawyers and many others.
And just prior to the departure of the Flotilla from Spain on April 12, Amnesty International stated: “Israeli authorities must ensure safe passage for these unarmed activists and human rights defenders.”
The Canadian Press now reports: “Six Canadians are among the activists detained by Israel after its military intercepted boats off the coast of Cyprus [but outside Cypriot territorial waters] that were part of a mission aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, Canadian flotilla organizers said Monday [May 18].”
The Global Sumud Flotilla has identified the six detained Canadians as 1- Safa Chebbi, a grassroots political organizer from Montreal; 2- Omar Shaban, an engineer and organizer in sustainable agriculture from Toronto; 3- Ko Tinmaung, an organizer and activist from Toronto; 4- Sebastian Tow, a community organizer from Vancouver; 5- Michael France, a boat technician and activist from Vancouver; and 6- Norrad Bouzide, a harm reduction worker and advocate from Toronto.
Earlier this month, the Flotilla confirmed reports that individuals detained by Israel in international waters had been subjected to physical and verbal violence, as well as systematic torture.
Image from Global Sumud Canada.
Naval blockade
The Associated Press reports: “Organizers said the boats were intercepted 250 nautical miles from the shores of Gaza.”
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea states: “Every State has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baselines determined in accordance with this Convention.”
In 2009, when Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza, the fishing zone for Palestinians was set at 5.5 kilometres from the coast.
UN Special Rapporteurs have previously argued that the naval blockade is illegal under international law.
Global Affairs Canada
The Canadian Press notes: “Global Affairs Canada acknowledged a request for comment, but hasn’t yet provided one.” CBC also reports: “CBC News reached out to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for comment but did not immediately hear back.”
We continue to follow this.
For updates, see the Global Sumud Flotilla on Instagram.
