**Title: Canadians Detained by Israel Share Flotilla Experience**

TORONTO – Two Canadians who participated in a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces described their detention as "horrific" and expressed relief at returning home. Khurram Musti Khan and Mskwaasin Agnew, both from Ontario, were among six Canadians aboard the Conscience vessel, which was stopped on October 8 while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's naval blockade.

The activists returned to Canada this weekend, alongside Quebec doctor Nimâ Machouf. Three other Canadians from Newfoundland and Labrador—Devoney Ellis, Sadie Mees, and Nikita Stapleton—are expected to arrive in St. John’s on Tuesday.

In a phone interview from his home in Milton, Ontario, Musti Khan explained that his involvement in pro-Palestinian advocacy motivated him to join the flotilla. He initially sought to participate in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which had all 42 of its boats intercepted earlier in October. He received a call just days before departure, informing him he would join the Freedom Flotilla.

After nearly eight days at sea, Khan and Agnew were among 145 activists taken from international waters by Israeli forces. They reported that the interception occurred swiftly, with Israeli soldiers boarding the vessel within 15 minutes. The operation involved two helicopters, several naval boats, a plane, and drones, with heavily armed soldiers.

"It was a major operation," Khan, 51, said. "I don’t know what made Israel conduct a major operation on a civilian operation like ours."

Agnew, 32, who spoke from her home in Toronto, recounted that flotilla members spent about 15 hours with Israeli forces before being taken into custody. She described the conditions as crowded and lacking basic necessities, including access to bathrooms. "They were there to dehumanize us," she said, adding that the presence of numerous soldiers and weapons was intimidating.

As a member of the Cree and Dene from Salt River First Nation, Agnew emphasized the importance of her participation in the flotilla. "It was important to express my solidarity, and Indigenous solidarity, with the understanding that none of us are free until we’re all free," she stated.

Following the interception, the activists were detained at a high-security prison. Agnew alleged that she witnessed fellow detainees being physically abused, zip-tied, blindfolded, and denied drinkable water. She claimed that soldiers used intimidation tactics, including slamming shields against cells and using dogs.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has previously denied allegations of mistreatment, labeling them as "brazen lies." Agnew noted that Israeli soldiers insisted they were being treated well, despite the conditions. "We were prepared for it, but it was pretty horrific," she said. "It makes you think about how Palestinians are being treated. A lot of them are there without knowing what their charge is, without even having a day in court, without ever having seen a lawyer."

Khan reported that he was zip-tied, blindfolded, and subjected to physical pressure by Israeli soldiers. He also went on a hunger strike during his detention. Both activists underwent extensive training before boarding the ship.

The flotilla movement, aimed at delivering maritime aid to Gaza, has faced significant challenges, with all flotillas since 2010 being intercepted or attacked by Israel. In 2010, a raid on a flotilla resulted in the deaths of 10 activists. Agnew reflected on the risks, stating, "People have died on this mission before. So that’s something that’s in the back of your mind."

After their release, Khan and Agnew were deported to Turkey before returning to Canada. Khan was welcomed home by friends and family, who hailed him as a hero. He remarked that the true heroes are the Palestinians and expressed that he felt no fear during his detention. "That’s the best thing. Because I was prepared for all of this. And when I was leaving, I actually left my will with my wife … in case I did not return," he said.

Agnew, while happy to be home, mentioned that she is still processing her experience. "It takes a while to fully come home after something like that. I’m still trying to call my spirit back," she said, adding that she has no regrets about her participation. "It was my honour to be there."