Canada summoned Israel’s ambassador to Ottawa for consultation over what Foreign Minister Anita Anand described Wednesday as the “mistreatment of civilians” aboard the Gaza-bound Sumud Global Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave, reports Anadolu.

“I have instructed my officials to summon the Israeli ambassador regarding the mistreatment of civilians on board the flotilla,” Anand said during a virtual press conference from Estonia.

She was referring to a video released by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partner.

“What we have seen, including the video shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is deeply disturbing and absolutely unacceptable,” Anand said.

Asked if she had received a response from Israeli officials, she said that no, neither she nor her officials.

“As soon as we were notified of the unacceptable behavior towards the members of the flotilla, which included some Canadians, I instructed my officials to contact the Israeli ambassador,” she said.

Noting that Canada takes this incident “very seriously,” she added that “it is about the humane treatment of civilians, and I can assure you that we are acting with urgency full”.

Anand also noted that Ben-Gvir, who appears in the video, has already been sanctioned by Canada and is banned from entering the country.

“The protection of civilians and respect for human dignity must be respected at all times,” she added.

Source: prizrenpost