Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly criticized Israel’s treatment of detained activists during a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, according to a statement from Carney’s office.
Carney described the handling of civilians aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “appalling” and characterized the Gaza situation as “catastrophic” during the diplomatic exchange.
“The Prime Minister reiterated that the appalling treatment of civilians, including Canadian citizens, aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla was unacceptable, and he called for an independent investigation,” the official statement read.
The Canadian leader also restated his country’s stance against unauthorized Israeli settlement growth, violence by settlers in the West Bank, and attacks on Palestinian civilians, according to the statement.
While Carney had previously criticized Israel’s flotilla response last week, Monday’s comprehensive rebuke demonstrates the growing tension between Israel and some of its traditional allies.
Israeli embassy officials in Ottawa could not be reached for immediate response.
Flotilla organizers report that activists faced mistreatment during detention, with several requiring hospital care for injuries and at least 15 alleging sexual violence, including rape. Israel’s prison service has rejected these claims.
Israel’s ambassador to Canada recently told the Globe and Mail that diplomatic relations between the two nations had reached their lowest point in history.
In a related development, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand revealed she spoke with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on Monday, informing him that Ottawa would share evidence of Canadian citizens’ mistreatment aboard the flotilla.
“I raised that denying Canadian citizens access to consular services while they were detained violates the Vienna Convention and must never happen again,” Anand wrote on social media platform X.
Saar responded by claiming the activists were motivated by Hamas and criticized Canada’s handling of antisemitic incidents.
“I also highlighted the horrific antisemitic wave in Canada — an average of 19 incidents a day. The Canadian government must take steps against antisemitic incitement and attacks,” Saar posted on X.
