Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced on Monday the “appalling treatment” of activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “unacceptable” during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement.
Last week, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparked widespread condemnation and diplomatic backlash by posting a video mocking the activists after they were seized in international waters by Israeli soldiers.
In the video, dozens of activists, including 12 Canadian citizens, were forced to kneel with their foreheads to the ground and their hands tied.
In the call, Carney called for an independent investigation and “strongly condemned” remarks by Ben Gvir, according to the statement from the prime minister’s office.
One of the Canadian activists, Safa Chebbi, said by phone that the group was “under constant threat.”
Herzog’s office said the two leaders agreed that Israel had the right to defend itself.
“President Herzog reiterated that Israel is acting against the threat of terror in accordance with international law and in co-ordination with regional and international partners,” said a statement issued by Herzog’s office following the talk between the two leaders.
Israel’s foreign ministry has referred to the flotilla as a publicity stunt serving the militant group Hamas.
Last week, Canada said it was summoning the Israeli ambassador over the incident.
A number of activists have accused the Israeli military of physical abuse during detention, prior to being deported to their countries.
France has banned Ben Gvir from entry to its territory, and is joining Italy and Spain to call on the European Union to sanction him.
Ben Gvir’s actions also drew criticism from inside the Israeli government.
