Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed indignation at the Israeli regime's 'appalling' treatment of participants in a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza. However, in a news release on Monday, he declined to announce any new forms of pressure on Israel.
The statement detailed a phone call between Carney and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, during which Carney demanded an independent investigation into the mistreatment of activists who were bound, taunted and forced to kneel in a video shared by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
'The Prime Minister reiterated that the appalling treatment of civilians, including Canadian citizens, aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla was unacceptable,' the statement said. Carney also reaffirmed Canada's opposition to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and settler violence against Palestinians.
The video sparked global backlash. France banned Ben-Gvir from its territory, and Poland imposed a five-year ban. French and Italian leaders called on the EU to sanction the Israeli minister.
But the Israeli regime has rarely faced serious pressure or consequences. Human rights groups have accused Israel of apartheid. The Global Sumud Flotilla was organized to confront Israeli abuses in Gaza, where a genocidal war has killed over 75,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
Carney called the humanitarian situation in Gaza 'catastrophic.' Activists have repeatedly tried to deliver aid but were intercepted by Israeli forces. A new mission with 70 boats and 3,000 participants launched on April 12 in the Mediterranean.
Amnesty International Australia estimates nearly 430 people were detained in international waters. Activists reported abuse, including sexual assault. Israel baselessly claimed activists were inspired by Hamas. Italian PM Meloni warned that Israel's actions 'violate human dignity.'
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she raised with her Israeli counterpart that denying consular services to Canadians violated the Vienna Convention.
Source: www.aljazeera.com