France and Italy launch investigations into alleged torture during Gaza flotilla interception

France’s anti‑terrorism prosecutor opened an investigation on 5 June in Paris for “torture” and “war crimes” after a government report on the treatment of French activists seized during a Gaza‑bound flotilla. The probe follows earlier complaints that Israeli soldiers subjected detainees to beatings, sleep deprivation and humiliating restraints.

In Italy, the Rome public prosecutor began a separate inquiry into National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, examining possible kidnapping, torture, violations of maritime law and attempted murder linked to the same May 2026 flotilla operation.

Two activists – Paris councillor Raphaëlle Primet and Al Jazeera journalist Hafedh Mribah – filed complaints in a French court after the 30 April interception of a Marseille‑origin convoy. They allege they were handcuffed with cable ties, forced into degrading positions, insulted and threatened by Israeli soldiers, and denied medical care during three days of detention. Their case adds to a broader French investigation already launched after earlier flotilla allegations of torture and war crimes.