To: The ''Honourable'' Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada
From: A Concerned Canadian Citizen (Username: FASCISMWATCH)
I am writing today as a deeply concerned Canadian citizen to voice my condemnation of the forceful interception and detention of participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla. This international, civilian-led initiative was undertaking a critical, non-violent mission to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid—including food and medical supplies—to the besieged population of Gaza. The fact that dozens of vessels, including the Alma and the Oxygono, carrying human rights defenders, doctors, and parliamentarians were intercepted in international waters represents an egregious violation of international law and the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Canada must not stand by silently while peaceful humanitarian efforts are actively obstructed and criminalized.
The mission of the Flotilla was clear and purely humanitarian: to break an unlawful blockade and deliver aid directly to a population facing acute starvation, a condition repeatedly highlighted by international agencies. By seizing the vessels and detaining the crews, the authorities have not only blocked vital supplies but have also violated the rights of individuals acting in conscience. The Canadian government is obligated to acknowledge the legitimacy of this humanitarian mission and speak out forcefully against these acts, which further destabilize the already devastating humanitarian situation.
Furthermore, I urge the government to extend its diplomatic efforts beyond our own citizens. The fundamental principle of human rights dictates that Canada must use its full political and diplomatic weight to pressure for the release of all detainees of the Global Sumud Flotilla, irrespective of their nationality. This forceful interception has sparked widespread and growing outrage across the world, with protests erupting across continents demanding the immediate release of the activists and an end to the blockade. These individuals—including doctors, journalists, and elected officials from dozens of nations—are victims of an unlawful interference with a humanitarian mission. Their continued detention is an affront to democratic values and the principles of international solidarity that Canada claims to uphold.
Beyond these immediate concerns regarding the humanitarian flotilla, I must express profound disappointment with Canada's broader policy stance. There is a deafening silence from our government regarding the clear need to condemn the unfolding genocide in Gaza. Our continued diplomatic and economic links with Israel remain intact, and there has been no discernible action to expel Israeli lobbyists, nor to investigate and address concerning reports regarding Mossad agents operating within Canadian embassies and consulates or their alleged business ties with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Furthermore, it is hypocritical that Canada has not taken steps to forbid Zionism across the country, treating it with the same moral seriousness applied to banning neo-Nazism, especially given the increasingly visible alliance between figures like Donald Trump and Netanyahu, illustrating the alignment of neo-Nazi and Zionist political interests.
Of critical and immediate concern is the safety and well-being of Canadian nationals involved in this mission, who now fall into two distinct categories:
Protection for Canadians Still Sailing: The vessel Conscience is currently continuing its humanitarian voyage toward the blockade zone, carrying six Canadian citizens: NimΓ’ Machouf (Epidemiologist, Montreal, QC), Mskwaasin Agnew (Healthcare Worker, Cree/Dene Salt River First Nation NWT), Devoney Ellis (Activist/Organizer, St. John's NL), Sadie Mees (Masters Student/Women's Centre Worker, St. John's NL), Khurram Musti Khan (Activist, Toronto), and Nikita Stapleton (Teacher/Search and Rescue Volunteer, St. John's NL). I demand that Global Affairs Canada immediately use its diplomatic leverage to ensure the physical safety, protected passage, and continued navigation of the Conscience and its crew, and actively work to prevent its unlawful interception in international waters.
Release for Detained Canadians and Coalition Members: I simultaneously demand the immediate and unconditional release of any Canadian nationals who may have been detained aboard any of the previously intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla vessels. Canada has a non-negotiable duty to secure their safe and swift return home, and to provide daily updates regarding their treatment and legal status.
I demand immediate and resolute action from the Canadian government. Silence in the face of the obstruction of aid and the detention of humanitarian activists is complicity. I expect a prompt and decisive diplomatic response aimed at securing the swift return of all detained Flotilla participants to their homes and ensuring the safety of those still sailing. The time for cautious statements is over; genuine political pressure must be applied now to defend human rights, international law, and the universal right to deliver life-saving aid.
Summary of Flotilla Initiatives
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) are two distinct but coordinated civilian-led maritime initiatives united in their goal to break the illegal naval blockade of Gaza and deliver life-saving aid.
I. Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF)
Boats & Scale: Comprised of over 40 to 50 civilian vessels (including the Alma and Oxygono), carrying critical humanitarian cargo such as medicine, baby formula, and dry food. This represents the largest civilian-led convoy of its kind.
Crew & Countries: Over 400 to 500 participants from at least 44 countries. Participants include activists, doctors, nurses, seafarers, trade unionists, lawyers, and elected officials.
Notable Participants: Detained participants include high-profile figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, American labor leader Chris Smalls, French actress Adèle Haenel, Spanish parliamentarian Jimena GonzÑlez, and several European parliamentarians including Alma Dufour (France) and Victoria Velasquez (Denmark).
Multi-Port Departure & Route: The Flotilla utilized a strategic multi-port departure system to maximize reach and coordination. The vessels set sail in successive waves from four main regions starting in late August 2025:
Spain: Initial departures from Barcelona.
Italy: Convoys set sail from Genoa and Sicily (Augusta/Catania) and were met by the legal and medical teams.
Maghreb/North Africa: Vessels departed from Tunis and Bizerte to meet the European fleets.
Greece: Ships departed from the island of Syros.
The various contingents converged at specific points in the Mediterranean Sea before proceeding together as one large convoy toward the blockade zone.
Supporting Groups: Organized by a coalition of four major networks: the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the Global Movement to Gaza (GMTG), the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara.
Status: The GSF vessels have been intercepted in international waters by military forces. Hundreds of participants have reportedly been detained and transferred to Israeli facilities for processing and deportation.
II. Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) Initiative (Currently Sailing)
Boats & Scale: A second wave launched on September 27, 2025, from Catania, Sicily, consisting of approximately 9 to 12 ships (including the Al-Awda and Ghassan Kanafani) and carrying around 70 to 150 people. It is named in honor of Madleen Kulab, Gaza's only fisherwoman.
Crew & Composition: The convoy is reinforced by nine elected officials from the Belgian, Danish, European Union, Irish, French, Spanish, and U.S. parliaments. The civilian participants include a significant contingent of healthcare workers, journalists, and seasoned activists, such as:
Youssef Swatt's (Belgian-Algerian rapper and producer)
Assa TraorΓ© (French-Malian racial justice campaigner)
Pierre-Yves Dermagne (Belgian Minister)
Ellen Read (U.S. State Representative)
Karim Ali (Co-founder of the 'The Gaza Sunbirds' para-cycling team).
Key Boat: The Canadian Boat to Gaza (CBG) contingent is sailing aboard the vessel Conscience, the largest ship in this convoy, which is specifically tasked with carrying medics and media personnel. The six Canadians listed above are on this ship.
Supporting Groups: Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) in partnership with the Thousand Madleens movement.
Status: This convoy is currently still sailing across the Mediterranean and is actively attempting to navigate toward the blockade zone despite the interception of the GSF.
Reference Links for the Global Sumud Flotilla:
Global Sumud Flotilla: The international, civilian-led maritime initiative that organized the current mission, aimed at breaking the blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC): A grassroots international solidarity movement that coordinates non-violent, civilian-led missions to end the illegal blockade of Gaza, and is a key organizer of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Canadian Boat to Gaza (CBG) Homepage: The Canadian component of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, organizing Canadian participation, fundraising, and advocacy to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza.
CBG Press Release (October 1, 2025): A direct statement from Canadian Boat to Gaza detailing the attacks on the Sumud Flotilla, reaffirming their commitment to continue challenging the blockade, and confirming the names of the six Canadians aboard the vessel Conscience.
A Poem of Sumud
The seas are wide, but conscience calls,
Across the blue, where aid now stalls.
The Alma seized, the brave detained,
While freedom's right is so profaned.
They sailed with hope and doctors' hands,
Against the laws of empty lands.
A hunger deep, a silence grim,
We lift the cry for every limb.
The world observes, its fury deep,
While Canada's commitments sleep.
No word for genocide's dark toll,
No ban for those who seize control.
We name the boats, the brave, the bold,
A story of inaction must be told.
So let the Conscience hold its course,
Your silence stains the flag with fight to hold π¨π¦
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