Carney to Herzog: The treatment of Gaza flotilla activists was "horrific" and the situation in the sector is catastrophic

Ottawa —
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog that the treatment of civilians detained by Israel on the flotilla heading to Gaza was “horrific” and unacceptable, calling for an independent investigation into what happened.

The Prime Minister’s office said Carney emphasized during the call that the civilians, including Canadian citizens, deserved to be treated with respect for their dignity and rights, stressing that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has become “catastrophic.”

Carney also reiterated Canada’s objection to the illegal Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, and to settler violence and violence against Palestinian civilians.

Carney’s statements come days after sharp Canadian criticism of Israel’s handling of the flotilla activists, but the latest statement reflects a clearer escalation in Canada’s stance towards the Israeli government.

In the same context, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she spoke with her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar, informing him that Ottawa will provide evidence related to the mistreatment of Canadians who were on the flotilla.

Anand added that she also raised the issue of Canadian citizens being denied consular services while detained, considering that this violates the Vienna Convention and should not be repeated.

These developments increase tensions between Ottawa and Tel Aviv, at a time when Israel is facing growing international criticism over the war in Gaza, the treatment of foreign activists, and settlement in the West Bank.