OTTAWA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday called for an independent investigation into the treatment of civilians aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla during a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
According to a readout issued by the prime minister's office, Carney reiterated that the "appalling treatment of civilians, including Canadian citizens" aboard the flotilla was unacceptable.
He also strongly condemned comments made by Israel's Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, emphasizing that the protection of all civilians and respect for human dignity must be upheld at all times.
Carney raised the issue of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation there as "catastrophic" and calling for the restoration of immediate and unimpeded access to aid.
He reaffirmed Canada's opposition to illegal Israeli settlement expansion, settler violence in the West Bank, and violence against Palestinian civilians.
During the conversation, Carney underscored Canada's "unwavering support" for a negotiated two-state solution, envisioning an independent, viable, and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
Hundreds of members from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla were brought to Israel's Ashdod Port on Wednesday, as Ben-Gvir released a video showing some of them shackled and forced down to the sound of the Israeli national anthem.
One day later, Israel said it had deported all activists from the flotilla after Ben-Gvir's treatment of the activists sparked international outrage. ■
