MONTREAL, May 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday denounced the "appalling treatment" of activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla as "unacceptable," in 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 a 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.

One of the Canadian activists, Safa Chebbi, told AFP by phone that the group was "under constant threat."

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.