Canada’s PM Carney Condemns Israel’s ‘Abominable’ Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned Israel’s treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists as “abominable.” This statement follows the release of a video showing Israeli police forcing activists to kneel on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs. The incident occurred after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters.
Details of the Incident
The flotilla, which set sail from southern Turkey, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region suffering from severe shortages despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This ceasefire has been in effect since October 2025, yet aid remains critically low. Organizers of the flotilla stated that their mission was to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Following the interception, Carney expressed his outrage on social media, stating, “The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable.” He also noted that Canada has imposed strict sanctions on Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban, due to his history of inciting violence.
Israeli Response and Internal Conflict
The activists, numbering around 430 and including citizens from Italy and South Korea, were taken to an Israeli port after their vessels were intercepted. The video posted by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right police minister, shows officers detaining an activist who was chanting “Free, free Palestine.” The footage depicts numerous activists kneeling in rows, hands zip-tied, under the watch of armed soldiers patrolling from a military vessel.
Ben-Gvir’s actions have drawn criticism from within Israel’s own coalition government. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar retweeted the video, accusing Ben-Gvir of undermining the efforts of many professionals, including IDF soldiers and Foreign Ministry staff. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to intercept the flotilla but stated that the treatment of the activists was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms.” He instructed that the activists be deported as soon as possible.
International Reactions
The treatment of the flotilla activists has sparked widespread condemnation from various countries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Ben-Gvir’s conduct as “inadmissible,” especially since Italian citizens were among those detained, including a member of parliament and a journalist. Italy is expecting an apology from Israel and plans to summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also criticized Israel’s actions, questioning the legal basis for the arrests and whether they occurred in Israeli territorial waters. Turkey condemned the treatment of the activists and is working with other nations to secure the release of its citizens.
Countries including France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands have summoned Israeli diplomats to express their concerns regarding the treatment of the flotilla members.
Future of the Detained Activists
The activists from the latest flotilla are expected to be taken to Ketziot prison in Israel’s southern Negev desert. Previous flotillas that were intercepted resulted in the deportation of activists after their detention. The Israeli rights group Adalah confirmed that the activists had been detained at Ashdod port and are providing legal assistance to them.
Adalah stated that its attorneys and volunteers are working to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the activists. The flotilla organizers indicated that participants came from 40 countries aboard 50 vessels.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 2 million residents displaced and many living in makeshift tents or bombed-out homes. Israel maintains control over all access to the Gaza Strip, denying allegations of withholding supplies for its residents.
For further details, see the report by ARN News Centre.
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Published on 2026-05-21 06:19:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk