On Monday Israel's navy intercepted an activist flotilla in waters off Cyprus on Monday, halting the group's latest effort to challenge a blockade of Gaza.

More than 50 vessels departed from the port in Marmaris, Turkey, last week in what the organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla described as the final leg of their planned journey to Gaza's shores to draw attention to the grim conditions for Palestinians living in the war-battered territory. (Radio-Canada)

The organization's livestream showed activists, including 12 Canadians, aboard several vessels putting on life-jackets and raising their hands before a boat carrying Israeli troops approached. Wearing tactical gear, the troops boarded the ship, and the livestream abruptly ended. Many of the ships are currently off the coast of Cyprus. Other footage showed Israeli forces on speedboats approaching and instructing the activists to move to the front of the boat. At least 17 boats were intercepted in the first three hours of the operation, according to Global Sumud Flotilla's tracker. (Radio-Canada)

At least 11 Canadians detained
At least 11 Canadians out of the 12 who took part in the flotilla have been detained, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The Global Sumud flotilla was made necessary due to the inaction of Western governments who have tolerated the blockade of Gaza for more than two years. Civil society has taken over. This is a peaceful attempt to draw attention to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to deliver a small portion of the humanitarian aid desperately needed by the Palestinian population of Gaza.

This action by the Israeli government is completely illegal under international law, and the Canadian government must promptly hold the Israeli government accountable and impose the necessary sanctions.

The Quebec Coalition for Palestine Emergency joins its voice to that of more than 200 former Canadian diplomats who, in an open letter dated May 15, called on the Canadian government to impose sanctions against "Israeli government officials, settlers, or organizations that encourage violence against Palestinians and the confiscation of their land:

The Quebec Coalition for Emergency Palestine also demands an immediate bilateral embargo on all transfers of military equipment (direct and indirect) and an end to all collaboration with Israel in the area of "security."

All those illegally detained by Israel following this raid, including the 11 Canadians, must be released immediately. The Canadian government must pressure Israel to secure their release and immediately impose the necessary sanctions, stated Diane Lamoureux for the Quebec Coalition for Emergency Palestine.

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Source: Radio-Canada, Coalition for Emergency Palestine

Source: Pressenza