Organization says Salt River First Nation woman being held by Israeli authorities

A First Nation woman is among many detained by Israeli forces after their military intercepted a flotilla of humanitarian ships bringing much-needed aid to Gaza. Israel’s war against Hamas-governed Gaza has seen more than 66,000 Palestinians killed and hundreds of thousands more starving and displaced since Hamas attacked and killed more than a thousand Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the United Nations. Grassroots activist and Salt River First Nation member Mskwaasin Agnew is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aboard a ship called the Conscience. The FFC is attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza using several ships sailing the Mediterranean Sea to bring much-needed aid to the area. A flotilla spokesperson says that early Wednesday morning local time, Agnew’s ship was one of nine intercepted by Israel in international waters. They say a total of 145 non-violent activists from 30 different countries were taken to Israel against their will and are currently being detained. APTN News hasn’t independently verified that Agnew is in custody of Israeli authorities. A message was sent to the embassy in Ottawa, but no one replied. Agnew posted on her social media while at sea just days before the interception, saying she is acting out of Indigenous solidarity to the Palestinian people, who are experiencing a genocide by Israel, according to a United Nations commission. “Every day the Palestinian people live through unspeakable horror and tragedy,” said Agnew in the social media post. “We are a crew of medics and journalists. We are unarmed. We only bring medical aid, humanitarian aid, and our consciousness.” “This is a call to say that we will not leave you alone, Gaza. We will never leave you behind. We’re coming for you.” On Twitter, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the FFC’s attempt to bring aid to Gaza “futile,” confirming the aid vessels and passengers have been brought to Israel and “are expected to be deported promptly.” They directed us to a post by their Foreign Policy twitter account, confirming six Canadians part of the FFC have been detained by Israel, and that they urge Israel to ensure their safety and swift release. 1/2 We are tracking the route of the most recent flotilla and are aware that six Canadians have been detained in Israel. Consular officials are in touch with Israeli authorities and, as always, are offering consular services to all Canadian citizens. — Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) October 8, 2025 Peace plan announced Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is urging all parties involved in the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan to follow through, and Ottawa is looking at how it can support efforts to end the conflict. “The next 48 hours are crucial,” Carney told reporters Thursday morning on Parliament Hill, ahead of a cabinet meeting. “We’re encouraged, but it’s the first phase and there’s more to come.” Israel and Hamas say they have agreed to the first phase of a plan that would pause the fighting and see Hamas release the 20 living hostages while Israel pulls troops back to an agreed-upon line. The pause in the fighting is meant to lead to a phased end to the war. Details of the medium and long-term plan are still under discussion. In a statement on X, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called for the immediate and unimpeded resumption of humanitarian aid in the besieged territory. “Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians,” she wrote. With files from the Canadian Press Continue Reading