Quebec doctor aboard aid flotilla released after being arrested in Israel, husband says

Quebec doctor Nima Maashouf, one of six Canadians arrested by Israeli forces after intercepting a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, has been released, according to her husband.

“She is free,” her husband and former Quebec politician Amir Khadr told Global News via text message on Friday.

Al-Maashouf was detained after the Israeli army stopped the boat, called the “Ship of Conscience,” in international waters. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday that Global Affairs Canada is tracking the recent route of the flotilla and is urging Israel to ensure the safety of the detained Canadians and their speedy release.

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Khudair said that his wife is heading to a hotel in Istanbul, where she will stay with other detainees who have been released.

The Israeli army intercepted nine boats Fleet Trying to break through Israel Naval blockade of Gaza Early Wednesday in the Mediterranean Sea and detained dozens of activists who were on board the ship, according to flotilla organizers and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said that the 145 activists participating in the Freedom Flotilla coalition and the 1,000 Madeleines to Gaza are in good health and were transferred to the beach in Israel for treatment before their deportation.

Maashouf is a Montreal-based epidemiologist, grandmother and mother of three. Her husband, a former leader of the Quebec Solidarity movement, said he was relieved and deeply proud of his wife’s efforts to bring attention and aid to Gaza.

The interception came after nearly 450 activists from a former high-profile fleet were intercepted – Including European lawmakers and climate activist Greta Thunberg She was intercepted on board more than 40 boats last week while trying to reach Gaza with a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid.

Among those detained were two Canadians Ottawa confirmed it was from that former fleet.

—With files from The Associated Press

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