Prime Minister Mark Carney has denounced the treatment of activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla as "unacceptable" during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The incident, which involved the seizure of activists in international waters by Israeli soldiers, has sparked widespread condemnation. Among those detained were 12 Canadian citizens.
Carney's criticism follows the release of a video by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, which showed activists forced to kneel with their hands tied. Carney "strongly condemned" Ben Gvir's remarks and called for an independent investigation into the incident. In response, Herzog condemned the "pro-Hamas flotilla" for attempting to undermine the US-backed plan for Gaza.
The Prime Minister also reiterated Canada's support for a two-state solution and expressed concerns about Israeli settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank. Herzog voiced "deep alarm" over rising antisemitism in Canada, urging Carney to address the fears of the Canadian Jewish community. Canada had previously summoned the Israeli ambassador to address the incident.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand has stated that Ottawa will provide Israel with evidence of the mistreatment of Canadian citizens during the interception of the flotilla. She also raised concerns about the denial of consular services to the detained Canadians, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Vienna Convention. This incident has further strained relations between Canada and Israel, prompting calls for accountability and adherence to international norms.
