Ottawa appears to be the first government to formally seek an independent investigation into the May 18-19 detentions.
The Canadian government has called for an independent investigation into Israel’s “appalling” treatment of activists aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that “the protection of all civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld everywhere, at all times,” according to a government readout of his call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Israel’s denial of consular access to detainees violated the Vienna Convention, an international treaty requiring countries to allow detained foreign nationals to contact their diplomatic officials. Ottawa had provided West Jerusalem with evidence of abuse and expected “those responsible to be held accountable,” she wrote on X on Monday.
The diplomatic clash follows Israel’s interception of the flotilla in international waters on May 18-19 and the detention of hundreds of activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir later released footage showing detainees kneeling with their hands restrained behind their backs while he mocked them on camera.
Activists later alleged beatings, the use of tasers, sexual assault, humiliation, stress positions, and the denial of food, water, and consular access during detention. Israel has denied the allegations.
Canada appears to be the first government to formally call for an independent investigation into the detentions, while multiple countries have condemned the interception of the flotilla and allegations of abuse against activists.
Canada’s response is particularly notable, given its longstanding support for Israel. Ottawa recognized Israel shortly after its creation in 1948, has frequently backed it diplomatically at the UN, and has developed extensive trade, security, and intelligence ties over decades. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper famously told Israel’s parliament in 2014: “Through fire and water, Canada will stand with you.”
Israel claims the blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent weapons from getting into the enclave. It has also denied withholding supplies from Palestinians in Gaza, almost 2 million of whom have been displaced since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
