Tensions between Canada and Israel intensified Monday after Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand accused Israeli authorities of violating international law through the alleged mistreatment of Canadian citizens detained during a Gaza-bound aid flotilla operation earlier this month.
In a strongly worded public statement, Anand said Israel’s handling of detained Canadians breached obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by denying detained Canadians timely access to consular services while they were being held.
Anand confirmed she directly raised the matter during a conversation Monday morning with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and demanded accountability for what she described as unacceptable treatment.
The dispute stems from Israel’s interception of a flotilla involving 41 boats and approximately 420 activists attempting to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip amid the worsening humanitarian crisis linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Twelve Canadians were among those detained after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla on May 18 and 19.
According to Anand, Canadian officials received reports of “appalling abuse” involving detainees, prompting Ottawa to formally request an independent investigation and insist that those responsible be held accountable.
The confrontation marks one of the sharpest diplomatic criticisms directed at Israel by the Canadian government in recent years.
Israeli officials have defended their actions, arguing the flotilla participants were attempting to violate Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza, which Israel says is necessary for security purposes during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
In his own public statement Monday, Gideon Sa’ar characterized flotilla participants as anti-Israel extremists operating in support of Hamas and insisted Israel acted fully within international law.
Israeli Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has faced especially intense criticism internationally following the circulation of controversial videos showing him taunting detained activists.
The footage, which sparked outrage globally, allegedly showed detainees restrained and kneeling while Ben-Gvir waved an Israeli flag and shouted nationalist slogans.
Several countries, including France, Italy and Netherlands, joined Canada in condemning the treatment and summoning Israeli ambassadors for diplomatic explanations.
Mark Carney also personally addressed the issue Monday during a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney described the treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla as “appalling” and reiterated Canada’s demand for an independent investigation.
Carney additionally condemned Ben-Gvir’s behaviour and emphasized that protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must remain central obligations under international law.
Despite the criticism, Carney also reaffirmed Canada’s support for Israel’s security and its right to self-defence, while simultaneously stressing the need to protect civilian populations and critical infrastructure throughout the region.
The leaders also discussed broader Middle East tensions, including the growing instability surrounding Strait of Hormuz and the worsening humanitarian catastrophe inside Gaza.
Canada reiterated support for immediate humanitarian aid access into Gaza and renewed its longstanding backing for a negotiated two-state solution involving an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.
The Gaza humanitarian crisis continues to deepen after months of war that began following Hamas’ October 2023 attacks on Israel.
International aid organizations accuse Israel of severely restricting humanitarian access into Gaza, contributing to shortages of food, medicine and essential supplies.
The Israel Defense Forces denies intentionally blocking aid, arguing that restrictions are aimed at preventing Hamas infiltration of aid operations and maintaining security oversight.
The flotilla controversy also has broader geopolitical implications. Earlier this month, the United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on several European activists associated with the flotilla movement, accusing them of supporting extremist-linked activities.
At the same time, Israeli officials have increasingly raised concerns with Ottawa regarding rising antisemitic incidents across Canada — an issue Anand acknowledged during discussions with Sa’ar, describing the increase as deeply troubling.
The latest diplomatic dispute now places additional strain on an already fragile international environment as global governments continue struggling to balance support for Israel’s security, humanitarian concerns in Gaza and growing public pressure over civilian treatment during the conflict.