The three Newfoundland activists taking part in the so-called Freedom Flotilla to Gaza have been detained by Israeli forces, according to Palestine Action YYT.

Sadie Mees, Nikita Stapleton, and Devony Ellis are believed to be among those who have been detained while in international waters.

The group is calling on the federal government to immediately demand the release of those who have been detained, condemn Israel’s actions, and to implement an arms embargo and economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

They say legal advisors are on site in Israel to offer support.

Representative Claire Genest says they haven’t heard from the Newfoundlanders on board since the vessel was intercepted around 11:00 Tuesday night.

She says there is a blackout on communications right now, and they can’t get in touch with anyone. She says a livestream from the boat showed Israeli forces boarding, but the live feed was cut not long after.

MInister Joanne Thompson actively engaged with consular officials and Foreign Affairs

Minister Joanne Thompson, who is actively engaged on the matter, says she is very concerned about the development and is working with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to ensure the women’s safety and their swift and safe return to Canada.

“Consular officials are in touch with local authorities and will provide whatever assistance is needed. Most importantly, Canada is engaged, and is urging the Israeli authorities to ensure their safety, and to most importantly, ensure their release so that we can, through the consular services, support their swift return to Canada. That is ultimately what we want to see happen.”

Thompson says she will provide updates as they become available.

In the meantime, protestors demonstrated outside Joanne Thompson’s office in St. John’s this morning, but were blocked from entering the building by WHL Holdings.

Thompson says she believes in and supports the right to protest.