Canada calls for probe into Gaza flotilla treatment
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Canada has called for an independent investigation into the treatment of civilians aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla, including Canadian citizens, after Prime Minister Mark Carney described their treatment as “appalling” and “unacceptable.”
Carney raised the issue during a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, stressing that the protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere and at all times. He also strongly condemned comments made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, following controversy over footage linked to the treatment of detained flotilla activists.
The Canadian position is significant because it goes beyond concern and calls directly for an independent investigation into an incident involving Canadian citizens and international activists seeking to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney also reaffirmed Canada’s support for a negotiated two-state solution and Israel’s right to security and self-defence in accordance with international law, while emphasizing the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called for immediate and unimpeded access to aid.
The development comes amid rising tensions between Canada and Israel. Reuters reported that organizers alleged mistreatment of detained activists, while Israel’s prison service denied the allegations. The agency also reported that Israel’s ambassador to Canada recently described government-to-government relations between the two countries as the worst they had ever been.
The Ben-Gvir controversy has added further pressure to the file, turning the flotilla incident into more than a diplomatic dispute. For Canada, it has become a test of how Ottawa balances the protection of its citizens, concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and increasingly strained relations with Israel’s government.
