Canadian Government Must Offer Full Assistance to Detained Citizens in Israel

OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Canadian citizens, Robert Lovelace and Kevin Neish, by the Israeli Government:

“I am deeply concerned that 18 people, including two Canadian citizens, were arrested while delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Their flotilla contained no weapons or contraband.

“Earlier this week, I sent a letter to the Israeli Ambassador and Rob Nicholson, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister. I asked Minister Nicholson to ensure that Mr. Lovelace and Mr. Neish are immediately freed and that they receive full consular assistance. Likewise, I asked the Israeli Government to release all detainees and deliver the flotilla’s cargo to the people of Gaza.

“We need to work towards a peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine. Hope must be restored so that Israeli and Palestinian citizens alike can look ahead to a brighter future for their children.”