Carney condemns ‘appalling’ treatment of Gaza flotilla activists, halts new sanctions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a formal condemnation of the Israeli government’s handling of the Global Sumud Flotilla, describing the treatment of activists as “appalling” and calling for an independent investigation into alleged mistreatment. During a telephone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, Carney demanded accountability for the conditions endured by participants, including Canadian citizens, who were detained in what the Prime Minister termed unacceptable circumstances.

Despite the strong rhetorical stance, Carney declined to announce new penalties or pressure measures against Israel in the wake of the incident. The news release outlining the call highlighted the Prime Minister’s insistence that the abuse of civilians aboard the humanitarian aid vessels was indefensible, while simultaneously reaffirming Canada’s opposition to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians.

The diplomatic outcry was triggered by a video shared by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, which showed activists bound, taunted, and forced to kneel. The footage has sparked significant international backlash, with France banning Ben-Gvir from entering its territory and Poland pursuing a five-year ban against him. Leaders in France and Italy have also urged the European Union to sanction the Israeli minister, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warning that Israel’s actions “violate human dignity” and summoning her local Israeli ambassador.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand raised specific concerns with her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, regarding the denial of consular services to detained Canadian citizens. Anand stated she had provided evidence of the mistreatment and emphasised that denying access to consular services while detainees were held violated the Vienna Convention. She asserted that such violations “must never happen again,” adding a legal dimension to the diplomatic protests.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, launched on 12 April in the Mediterranean Sea, involved approximately 70 boats and 3,000 participants aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the convoy in international waters, detaining nearly 430 people according to estimates from Amnesty International Australia. Activists reported experiencing abuse during detention, with at least 15 alleging sexual assault, including rape. Israel has asserted, without evidence, that the activists were inspired by Hamas, a claim Ben-Gvir reinforced by labelling them “supporters of terrorism.”