Foreign affairs minister condemns 'appalling abuse' of Canadian flotilla activists detained in Israel

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned the 'appalling abuse' of Canadian activists detained by Israel following the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla earlier this week. The activists, including 12 Canadians, were deported to Turkey after being held in Israel, with reports from Global Sumud Canada indicating they received mistreatment, including beatings and dehumanizing conditions. Anand stated Canada would hold those responsible accountable and ensured the activists received urgent medical care before returning home. The incident escalated tensions between Canada and Israel, with Prime Minister Mark Carney previously calling the treatment 'abominable' and 'unacceptable.' Canada has taken a harder stance on Israel under Carney, including recognizing Palestinian statehood last September, a move that angered Israel. Canadian officials summoned Israel’s ambassador after far-right Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing detained protesters, which Netanyahu criticized as inconsistent with Israel’s values. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated all foreign activists from the flotilla had been deported, describing the effort as a 'PR stunt' for Hamas with no genuine humanitarian intent. Netanyahu ordered the activists’ deportation 'as soon as possible' but distanced himself from Ben-Gvir’s actions. Meanwhile, activists, including Italian lawmaker Dario Carotenuto and journalist Alessandro Mantovani, reported beatings and mistreatment, though the Israeli Prison Service dismissed the claims as 'false and entirely without factual basis.' The flotilla aimed to break Israel’s Gaza blockade by delivering humanitarian aid, though Israel argues the boats carried only symbolic supplies. Canada’s condemnation marks a sharp rebuke of a close ally, reflecting growing diplomatic friction over the conflict.