A group of three Newfoundlanders detained by Israel aboard a flotilla bound for Gaza have been freed, according to a family member of one of the three women.
Newfoundlanders Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees and Nikita Stapleton were aboard the Conscience, one of nine vessels in a flotilla that had aimed to reach Gaza. They were detained by Israel on Wednesday.
Speaking with CBC News on Sunday, Vicki Axford, Mees's aunt, said they have now been freed and were able to speak to family early Sunday morning.
"[I'm feeling] overwhelming relief that Sadie and Nikita and Dev have been released from a, you know, a desert prison. And that they're safe and they're on their way home," Axford said.
Ellis, Mees and Stapleton have safely arrived in Jordan, according to a Facebook post from local activist group Palestine Action YYT.
Axford said the earliest the group could arrive home is early Tuesday morning.
While Axford said the family is relieved, she added the mission the women went to do— to bring aid to Palestinians — remains unfinished.
"They're still being occupied, there's humanitarian aid still not being allowed in," she said.
WATCH | The CBC's Linda Ward reports:Three Newfoundlanders detained by Israel aboard a flotilla bound for Gaza have been freed, according to a family member of one of the women. Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees and Nikita Stapleton were aboard the Conscience, one of nine vessels in a flotilla that was heading to Gaza to deliver aid."I myself have been inspired to be more vocal. I can't get on a boat like they did, but, you know, they've taught me that I can use my voice, and I'm really hoping that others have been inspired by that as well."
Israel's government ratified a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held in Gaza within 72 hours after that.
Political leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador had called to work with the federal government for the women's release.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn told CBC News Sunday that it was an issue that cuts through party politics.
The City of St. John's adopted a motion to call on Ottawa to implement a two-way arms embargo with Israel, something Dinn says he will also bring to the House of Assembly when it next resumes.
"We've been down the road of ceasefires and peace, it comes down to making sure we work as a nation to ensure that this happens," Dinn said.
"Even here in this province … we are connected globally. So to me, it's about ensuring that what we can do here, not only as a country but as a province, to ensure that there's a lasting peace."
Dinn said all levels of government have a role to play in supporting peace.
CBC News has asked Liberal Leader John Hogan, PC Leader Tony Wakeham for comment.
In a post on X Sunday, Newfoundland MP Joanne Thompson thanked consular officials and Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their work to ensure the women's release, adding "I share in the relief that they are on their way home."
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