Israel’s treatment of Gaza flotilla volunteers ‘appalling’: Mark Carney

Canada PM Mark Carney Condemns Israel’s Treatment of Gaza Aid Ship Volunteers
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has strongly condemned Israel’s treatment of humanitarian aid volunteers aboard Gaza-bound ships, calling the actions “horrific.” However, he stopped short of announcing any new sanctions or pressure against the Israeli government. According to a statement released by the Canadian government on Monday (May 25), Carney discussed the issue during a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
During the call, Carney demanded an independent investigation into the treatment of passengers involved in the Gaza flotilla mission. Last week, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video showing volunteers handcuffed, humiliated, and forced to kneel on the ground.
The Canadian government stated that such treatment of civilians aboard humanitarian vessels — including Canadian citizens — is completely unacceptable. Carney also reiterated Canada’s opposition to Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The video shared by Ben-Gvir sparked global outrage, prompting several countries to issue formal condemnations. France has already banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country, while Poland is considering a five-year travel ban against him. Leaders in France and Italy have also urged the European Union to impose sanctions on the Israeli minister.
Human rights organizations continue to accuse Israel of systematic discrimination and abuses against Palestinians. Amnesty International and B’Tselem have alleged that Israel is enforcing apartheid-like policies and forcibly displacing Palestinians from their land.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly killed more than 75,000 Palestinians, while survivors continue to suffer from hunger, displacement, and humanitarian collapse. Carney described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic.”
Meanwhile, volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla have repeatedly attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in protest against Israel’s blockade. On April 12, a new mission involving nearly 70 ships and around 3,000 participants was launched in the Mediterranean Sea.
Amnesty International Australia reported that Israeli forces boarded the ships in international waters and detained approximately 430 people, calling it a clear violation of international law. Volunteers alleged they were subjected to abuse, humiliation, and sexual violence while in detention.
Israel, however, has denied the allegations and claimed without evidence that some activists were influenced by Hamas. Ben-Gvir also labeled the volunteers as “supporters of terrorism.”