Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Israel’s treatment of activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla is unacceptable. In a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday, Carney condemns what he describes as “appalling” treatment of civilians, including Canadian citizens, who were detained aboard the vessel. Carney’s office says he calls the situation in Gaza “catastrophic” and urges Israel to allow an independent investigation into how detainees are handled.
Multiple outlets report that Carney reiterates that the treatment of civilians is unacceptable and emphasizes the need for de-escalation in the Middle East. One report also notes that Carney presses for a genuine resumption of dialogue among all parties, while maintaining that peace and stability in the region remain the shared objective.
The issue follows international criticism after Israel seized the flotilla in international waters and after Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly posted a video mocking the activists, which drew widespread diplomatic backlash. The reporting reflects Carney stopping short of advocating specific penalties.
