Canada has demanded that Israel investigate what Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly called the "appalling" treatment of activists aboard a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces, according to a Reuters report. The statement marks a rare public rebuke of Israel by Ottawa over the handling of civilians attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

Canada's criticism follows reports that Israeli naval forces detained flotilla participants, including Canadian citizens, after intercepting vessels bound for the Gaza Strip. While Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza for security reasons, humanitarian groups have repeatedly attempted to breach it to deliver food, medical supplies, and other aid to the territory's population. This incident represents the latest flashpoint in a long-running dispute over access to Gaza, where international organizations have documented severe shortages of basic necessities.

The flotilla reportedly carried several dozen activists from multiple countries, along with cargo intended for Gaza's civilian population. Israeli authorities have not disclosed the number of Canadians aboard the intercepted vessels or the specific conditions under which they were detained. Canada's Global Affairs department confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Canadian citizens involved in the incident, though officials have not specified how many nationals require support or whether any remain in Israeli custody.

"We are calling on Israel to conduct a thorough investigation," Minister Joly said, describing the treatment of flotilla members as unacceptable.