Mark Carney criticizes treatment of Gaza flotilla activists as appalling

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for an independent investigation into the treatment of participants in a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza. In a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Carney expressed his concern over the mistreatment of civilians, including Canadians, aboard the flotilla. The incident was captured on video by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, which has sparked global condemnation.

During their conversation, Carney reiterated that the treatment of civilians was unacceptable and reaffirmed Canada’s opposition to the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. He also emphasized Canada’s stance against violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians.

The video shared by Ben-Gvir has led to several countries issuing formal statements of condemnation, with some taking further action. France, for example, has banned Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, while Poland has pursued a five-year ban on his entry.

Human rights advocates have highlighted evidence of torture and inhumane conditions in Israeli prisons, accusing Israel of implementing a system of apartheid to discriminate against Palestinians. The Global Sumud Flotilla was organized as part of an effort to confront Israeli abuses in Gaza, where Israel has led a conflict since October 2023.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as “catastrophic” by Carney. Activists have repeatedly attempted to reach Gaza with humanitarian supplies but have been intercepted by Israeli forces, which have blockaded the territory’s access to the outside world. Amnesty International Australia estimates that nearly 430 people were detained when Israeli forces boarded their vessels in international waters.

In a separate statement, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand expressed her concern over the mistreatment of Canadian citizens and stated that she had spoken with her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar.

Source: Al Jazeera