Wearing orange life jackets, activists aboard a Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla boat were escorted by Israeli navy soldiers into the port of Ashdod, Israel, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, after the vessel was stopped while nearing the Gaza coastline. The Canadian Press
Global Affairs Canada confirmed that two Canadian citizens have been detained in Israel after taking part in a flotilla headed toward Gaza. The government department said it is aware of the situation and is working with local officials to assist those involved.
The Canadians were reportedly part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of boats carrying pro-Palestinian activists, doctors, and lawyers who intended to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Global Affairs did not release the names of the detained individuals or say whether more Canadians were part of the mission. The department cited privacy laws as the reason for not sharing further details.
“Consular officials are in touch with local authorities and are providing assistance to those who request it,” the agency said in a brief statement.
Flotilla’s Purpose and Participants
The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as a humanitarian effort aimed at bringing medical and relief supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. Organizers say the fleet set sail to highlight what they describe as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Among those involved is Nima Machouf, a Montreal-based epidemiologist and former NDP candidate. Machouf joined other professionals and activists from different countries to take part in the effort.
The flotilla included several small boats, each carrying international participants. Organizers said the group’s goal was peaceful and focused on drawing attention to conditions faced by civilians in Gaza.
Interceptions by Israeli Forces
Activists with the flotilla said Israeli forces intercepted several boats over recent days as the group attempted to approach Gaza’s coastline. Israel maintains strict control over access to Gaza by sea, citing security concerns and past incidents involving arms smuggling.
The flotilla’s organizers claimed their mission was entirely non-violent and intended to deliver essential supplies, such as medicine and food. However, Israeli authorities view unauthorized attempts to reach Gaza by sea as violations of national security laws.
It remains unclear when and where exactly the two Canadians were detained or under what charges, if any.
Canada Monitoring Situation
Global Affairs said it continues to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to assist Canadians detained abroad. Officials have not commented on possible diplomatic discussions with Israel regarding the arrests.
The agency reminded Canadians that travelling to or near Gaza remains highly risky due to ongoing regional instability.
Canada has previously advised its citizens to avoid taking part in flotillas or other missions attempting to breach maritime restrictions around Gaza.
The detentions have drawn concern from supporters of the flotilla, who say the volunteers were part of a humanitarian effort and should not face punishment for trying to deliver aid.
