Canada’s PM Carney Calls Israel’s Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Activists “Abominable” After Disturbing Video Emerges
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists as “abominable” on Wednesday. This statement followed the release of a video showing Israeli police forcing activists to kneel with their hands tied behind their backs. The incident occurred after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters on Tuesday, leading to the detention of approximately 430 activists, including citizens from Italy and South Korea.
Context of the Flotilla
The flotilla, which departed from southern Turkey, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region that has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict. Organizers of the flotilla have stated their goal is to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which they argue has led to a critical shortage of supplies despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been in effect since October 2025.
Israel maintains that its naval blockade is lawful, asserting that it is necessary for national security.
Political Reactions and Internal Disputes
Following the release of the video, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right police minister, shared footage on social media showing officers detaining an activist who was chanting “Free, free Palestine.” The video depicted numerous activists kneeling with zip ties on their wrists at what appeared to be an outdoor facility at an Israeli port, while armed soldiers patrolled the area.
Ben-Gvir’s comments in the video, where he dismissed the activists as “not heroes,” sparked backlash within Israel’s coalition government. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized Ben-Gvir’s actions, stating that they undermined the efforts of various Israeli agencies and personnel involved in managing the situation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to intercept the flotilla but acknowledged that Ben-Gvir’s treatment of the activists did not align with Israel’s values. Netanyahu has since instructed that the activists be deported as soon as possible.
International Condemnation
The treatment of the flotilla activists has drawn widespread condemnation from various countries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Ben-Gvir’s conduct as “inadmissible,” particularly given that Italian citizens were among those detained. Italy has demanded an apology from Israel and plans to summon the Israeli ambassador for clarification.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also criticized Israel’s actions, questioning the legal basis for the arrests and whether the detentions occurred in Israeli territorial waters. Turkey condemned the treatment of the activists, stating it was coordinating with other nations to ensure the safe release of its citizens.
Several European nations, including France, Canada, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, have summoned Israeli diplomats to express their concerns regarding the treatment of the flotilla members.
Legal Status and Future Implications
According to reports from Israeli rights group Adalah, the detained activists are currently being held at Ashdod port. Adalah has stated that its attorneys are providing legal assistance to the activists and will continue to advocate for their immediate release.
The flotilla’s organizers indicated that the activists would be transferred to Ketziot prison in Israel’s southern Negev desert. They noted that legal representatives would not be able to meet with the activists until they arrive at the prison.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over two million residents displaced and many living in makeshift shelters. Israel controls all access to the Gaza Strip and has denied allegations of withholding supplies from its residents. Since the ceasefire, Israel has maintained control over more than 60% of Gaza, while Hamas governs a smaller coastal area.
For further details, visit the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-21 06:19:00 • By the Editorial Desk
