Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is condemning what she called the “appalling abuse” of Canadian activists detained by Israeli forces after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was stopped earlier this week.
Twelve Canadians were among hundreds of activists taking part in the mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade. Anand said the Canadians were deported to Turkey on Thursday and are receiving medical care before returning home.
Videos shared online showed dozens of activists kneeling with their hands zip-tied behind their backs while armed Israeli soldiers stood nearby. Some activists claimed they were beaten and mistreated during detention. Israeli officials denied the allegations.
Anand said Canadian officials summoned Israel’s ambassador and called for those responsible to be held accountable. Prime Minister Mark Carney also criticized Israel’s actions, calling the treatment of activists “abominable” and “unacceptable.”
Israel defended stopping the flotilla, calling it a publicity stunt supporting Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the activists should be deported quickly but also criticized the public treatment shown in videos.
The flotilla was part of an ongoing effort to bring aid to Gaza and protest Israel’s long-running sea blockade of the territory.
