The Canadian government says a group of Canadians detained after Israel intercepted a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza are safe and are now being transferred to Turkey with consular support awaiting their arrival in Istanbul.
Anita Anand confirmed that Canadian officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv have been actively engaged throughout the situation involving the Global Sumud Flotilla, which carried activists and symbolic humanitarian aid toward Gaza before being stopped by Israeli authorities.
Activists involved in the mission say 12 Canadians were among approximately 420 participants travelling aboard 41 vessels attempting to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. All activists were deported and flown to Istanbul following their detention by Israeli forces.
The incident sparked sharp criticism from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who described the treatment of the activists by Israeli authorities as “abominable” and “unacceptable” after video footage surfaced showing kneeling detainees with their hands bound behind their backs while being taunted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Anand also confirmed that Canada summoned Israel’s ambassador to address concerns regarding the treatment of Canadian citizens aboard the flotilla. However, Israel’s embassy in Canada declined to comment publicly on the diplomatic summons.
The Israeli government defended its interception of the flotilla, calling the mission “a PR stunt at the service of Hamas” and arguing that the boats carried only a symbolic amount of aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had every right to stop what he described as provocative flotillas supporting Hamas, although he publicly criticized Ben-Gvir’s handling of the detainees, stating that the treatment shown in the videos did not reflect Israel’s values and norms.
The incident has also intensified political debate in Canada regarding the federal government’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Salma Zahid called for Canada to impose broader sanctions on the Netanyahu government, arguing that the continued presence of Ben-Gvir in Israel’s cabinet demonstrates support for what she described as violent and unlawful behaviour.
Ben-Gvir is already sanctioned by Canada for inciting violence and remains barred from entering the country. The latest flotilla controversy is expected to add further pressure on Ottawa as international criticism continues to grow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict in the region.