French authorities have opened a formal investigation into allegations of war crimes and torture linked to Israel’s treatment of French activists detained during a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted last month.
The investigation was initiated at the request of the French government, according to France’s national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office. The inquiry follows accusations by several French activists who claim they were subjected to mistreatment while in Israeli custody after the vessel was intercepted in international waters on May 18.
Israeli authorities detained more than 430 activists from multiple countries after stopping the flotilla, one of several recent efforts aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip. The incident has drawn significant international attention and renewed scrutiny of the treatment of activists participating in humanitarian missions connected to the ongoing conflict.
Several French participants who returned home on May 22 described what they characterized as a traumatic experience during their detention. Some activists alleged they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse, while others reported degrading treatment and intimidation.
Among the claims presented to French authorities are allegations of assault, sexual harassment, and prolonged stress-inducing detention practices. Activists also reported that two French participants remained hospitalized in Turkey following the incident.
The controversy intensified after Itamar Ben Gvir posted a video on social media mocking the detained activists while they were restrained. The video sparked international criticism and prompted France to impose an entry ban on the Israeli minister.
Israeli prison authorities have strongly rejected the accusations, describing the allegations as entirely unfounded and denying claims of physical abuse, psychological violence, or sexual misconduct during the detention process.
The case has also attracted attention from human rights advocates and international observers. Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on Palestinian territories, commented on the incident and raised broader concerns about conditions faced by detainees in Israeli prisons.
France’s investigation will seek to determine whether any actions taken against the activists constitute violations of international humanitarian law. The outcome could have significant diplomatic implications as tensions remain high over the conflict in Gaza and international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the territory.
The probe marks one of the most serious legal responses by a European government to allegations arising from the interception of aid flotillas bound for Gaza and underscores growing international scrutiny of actions connected to the ongoing Middle East conflict.