Canada to summon Israeli ambassador over video of extreme right-wing minister mocking Gaza flotilla activists
Canada will summon the Israeli ambassador in Ottawa to denounce a video showing a far-right minister mocking Gaza flotilla activists kneeling and bound, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on Wednesday.
The minister criticized the inhumane treatment by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, stating that the controversial video, which was later released on the Israeli official’s Telegram account, is deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable.
Anand also recalled that Canada had already imposed sanctions against Mr. Ben Gvir in 2025 for inciting violence against Palestinians.
Shortly after, Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted to the controversial video, describing Minister Ben Gvir’s behavior as vile and unacceptable.
More than 400 activists from over 45 countries, including 12 Canadians, have been held by Israeli authorities since Monday following the interception of the flotilla seeking to break the siege imposed by Israel on Gaza for almost 20 years.
“Welcome to Israel, we are at home,” triumphantly declares Itamar Ben Gvir in images posted on his Telegram channel, with the Israeli national anthem playing in the background.
The video shows dozens of activists kneeling one next to each other, faces against the ground and hands bound, on the deck of an Israeli navy ship. A young woman shouting “Free Palestine” as the minister passes by finds her head pushed to the ground by security forces.
The video also sparked outrage in Israel, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the expulsion of the militants as soon as possible.
“I demand public apologies from Israel,” said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also condemned Mr. Ben Gvir’s actions, stating, “You have shamefully tarnished the image of our state with this shameful display, and this is not the first time.”
In response to a question from Radio-Canada, Minister Anita Anand stated that she has not yet received any updates on Canadian citizens detained in Israel since Monday.
“I can assure you that we are acting urgently on this serious matter,” she said.
Many family members of Canadian detainees in Ashdod have criticized the Canadian government’s inaction, claiming they have not been contacted by Canadian officials for more than 48 hours.
Overall, the video has sparked reactions from around the world, with countries like France, Spain, and Italy condemning the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists by Israel. The global outrage continues to grow as more officials demand accountability and justice for the detained activists.
Context: The article reports on the diplomatic tensions between Canada and Israel due to a video showing an Israeli minister mocking activists on a Gaza flotilla. Several countries have expressed their disapproval of the treatment of these activists by Israel.
Fact Check: The content presented is an accurate and neutral summary of the original article, highlighting key statements and reactions from Canadian and international officials regarding the controversial video and its implications for diplomatic relations.
