A Milton man, Khurram Musti Khan, who was part of the Gaza-bound flotilla, the Conscience, is anticipated to arrive in Toronto on Sunday evening. Khan will be landing at Pearson International Airport after being deported from Istanbul, Turkey.
The Israeli military's interception occurred last week and involved a flotilla consisting of nine boats in the Mediterranean Sea. Activists on board were attempting to breach Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, a total of 145 activists were brought to shore for processing and subsequent deportation to their home countries following the interception.
The event unfolded after nearly 450 activists, including notable figures such as European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained when over 40 boats attempted to reach Gaza. Khan is one of the activists who found himself deported to Turkey, along with 100 other members of the flotilla on Thursday.
Other Canadians Aboard the Flotilla
Another Canadian on the same intercepted vessel as Khan, Nimâ Machouf, an activist and doctor, is also set to arrive in Montreal on Sunday evening, as confirmed by her husband. She is flying from Istanbul as well.
Meanwhile, three Newfoundlanders—Sadie Mees, Nikita Stapleton, and Devoney Ellis—are still in detention in Israel. Gur Tasbar, who is speaking on behalf of the Canadians involved in the mission, informed that these three individuals are expected to be deported to Jordan on the same day.
In a related development, Indigenous rights activist Mskwaasin Agnew successfully landed at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Saturday afternoon. He received a warm welcome from family, friends, and supporters upon his return.
This incident illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza blockade and the international efforts by activists to draw attention to the humanitarian situation there. The deportations of the activists reflect the broader geopolitical dynamics at play and the varying responses from different nations regarding their citizens involved in protest actions.
With the situation evolving, many are closely monitoring the circumstances of those still detained, as well as the implications for international activism focused on Gaza and broader human rights issues.
