French Activists Sue Israel Over Gaza Flotilla Detentions, Alleging Torture

Twenty-six French nationals who participated in flotillas bound for Gaza have filed a lawsuit in Paris accusing Israeli authorities of torture and war crimes during their detention. The complaint, lodged with the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (Pnat) on Monday, targets unidentified officials, according to the activists' lawyers.

The plaintiffs are members of the "Global Sumud Flotilla," which describes itself as a peaceful and humanitarian initiative aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. They were intercepted by Israeli forces at sea during three separate operations in October 2025, and again in April and May 2026.

In their legal filing, the activists allege their vessels were seized and that they were subjected to arbitrary arrest. They further claim to have endured "inhuman and degrading" treatment and violence while in detention. Five of the complainants also reported experiencing sexual assault.

The Pnat had already opened two preliminary investigations into these flotillas last summer, assigning them to the Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes. The allegations in the new complaint have not yet been substantiated by the judiciary. Israeli authorities have not yet responded to the lawsuit.