World

Former MP detained on ship bound for Gaza released

A former New Democrat MP who was arrested on board a ship intercepted while travelling to Gaza has been released from Israeli custody.

Wife of Jim Manly says he signed deportation waiver

Former New Democrat MP Jim Manly makes a statement in a pre-recorded video released on YouTube on Oct. 20, 2012, after the Estelle was commandeered by Israeli troops. (Canadian Press)

A former New Democrat MP who was arrested on board a ship intercepted while travelling to Gaza has been released from Israeli custody.

Jim Manly's wife Eva says the 79-year-old has signed a deportation waiver, ending his detention.

She says he is waiting for a seat to be booked on a flight to New York City, where he will then transfer to a plane destined for Toronto.

The activist ship Estelle is seen docked at Naples harbour in this Oct. 6, 2012 file photo. (Ciro De Luca/Reuters)

Manly was travelling with several European legislators and pro-Palestinian activists on the Finnish-flagged MV Estelle when he was taken into Israeli custody over the weekend.

The vessel was trying to break through Israel's blockade of Gaza and reportedly carrying aide supplies when it was intercepted and diverted to an Israeli port.

Eva Manly says she's waiting for Foreign Affairs to confirm her husband has left Israel.

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