Mskwaasin Agnew reunited with friends and supporters at Toronto Pearson International Airport on October 11, 2025, after returning home from detention in Israel, where she had been held following the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The Canadian Press
Two Canadians who joined a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces say they endured “horrific” treatment during their detention and feel relieved to be back home.
Khurram Musti Khan from Ontario and Mskwaasin Agnew from Toronto were part of a group of six Canadians aboard the Conscience, a vessel in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The group aimed to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade.
The vessel was stopped on October 8, and both activists were among 145 passengers detained in international waters before being taken to Israel for questioning and deportation.
They returned to Canada this past weekend, along with Quebec doctor Nima Machouf. Three others from Newfoundland and Labrador — Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton — are expected to arrive in St. John’s later this week.
“A Major Operation for Civilians”
Speaking from his home in Milton, Ontario, Musti Khan said he had long been active in pro-Palestinian causes and decided to volunteer for the mission after previous flotilla attempts failed.
He described the interception as “a major operation,” involving helicopters, naval boats, a plane, and drones. “I don’t know what made Israel conduct a major operation on a civilian mission like ours,” he said.
Agnew recalled the moment soldiers boarded the boat. “They were very aggressive,” she said. “There were lots of soldiers, a lot of guns, and they were there to dehumanize us.”
She said passengers were kept in cramped spaces for about 15 hours, denied bathroom access, and subjected to intimidation before being taken to a high-security prison.
“We Were Treated Like Criminals”
Once detained, Agnew said she witnessed flotilla members being zip-tied, blindfolded, and forced to kneel. Some, she claimed, were physically assaulted and denied drinkable water. Soldiers banged on cells and used dogs to intimidate detainees.
“They insisted we were being treated well,” she said. “But it was pretty horrific. It makes you think about how Palestinians are treated every day.”
Israeli officials have previously rejected such allegations, calling them “brazen lies.”
Musti Khan said soldiers blindfolded him and pushed his head down repeatedly. He went on a hunger strike while in detention to protest his treatment.
Both activists were later deported to Turkey before flying home to Canada.
“No Regrets”
Agnew, who is Cree and Dene from the Salt River First Nation, said her decision to join the mission came from a place of solidarity. “None of us are free until we’re all free,” she said.
The flotilla campaign has operated for years, with previous boats often intercepted or attacked by Israel. In 2010, ten activists were killed during one such raid.
Musti Khan said he felt no fear during his detention. “I was prepared for all of this,” he said. “I even left my will with my wife before leaving.”
Welcomed home by friends and family, he called the return “a homecoming feeling.” But he insisted the true heroes are the Palestinians.
Agnew said she’s still processing the experience. “It takes time to really come home after something like that,” she said. “But it was my honour to be there.”
