Canadians on aid flotilla deported

The Canadian government has confirmed that its citizens who were part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla are being deported from Israel to Turkey.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the individuals are safe and are being assisted by consular officials.

The group was among hundreds of international activists detained when Israeli naval forces intercepted their vessels in international waters.

The flotilla was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the long-standing Israeli blockade.

The deportation follows a period of intense diplomatic pressure and international condemnation over the treatment of the detained activists.