Italy Expands Gaza Flotilla Probe to Include Israeli Defense Minister and Military Chief
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Italian prosecutors are expanding their investigation into the Gaza flotilla incident to include Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The probe, prompted by complaints from 50 Italian citizens, alleges torture, kidnapping, and other abuses during the interception of ships in 2025 and 2026. French officials are also investigating alleged violence and humiliation against their citizens. Ben-Gvir has denied previous allegations, while Katz has yet to comment.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Italy is investigating Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over the Gaza flotilla incident.
- The probe, initiated by Italian prosecutors, also includes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Allegations involve torture, kidnapping, and abuse of 50 Italian citizens during ship interceptions in 2025-2026.
- French officials are also examining claims of violence and sexual humiliation against their citizens on the flotilla.
- Ben-Gvir previously denied allegations, while Katz has not yet responded to the expanded investigation.
Italian prosecutors in Rome have expanded their investigation into the Gaza flotilla incident, now examining the potential involvement of Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, in addition to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The probe, initially focused on Ben-Gvir for alleged "kidnapping and torture" of "Sumud" flotilla activists, now includes accusations of torture, kidnapping, bodily harm, robbery, and property damage during the Israeli forces' interception of ships heading to Gaza in 2025 and 2026.
The investigation was initiated following complaints from 50 Italian citizens arrested in Israel after participating in two voyages organized by the Global Sumud Flotilla. Participants from the first flotilla reported beatings, injuries, death threats, curses, and accusations of terrorism. Those on the second voyage claimed harsher treatment, including beatings in darkness and the use of stun guns and rubber bullets.
Prosecutors stated they have identified various figures within the military and police command chain involved in the operations. While Katz has not yet responded, Ben-Gvir has previously dismissed reports of the investigation against him, vowing to continue supporting the soldiers. The Italian prosecution has designated 12 senior officials from the IDF, police, and prison service as suspects, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
Separately, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that his country's Ministry of Justice is examining allegations of "violence and sexual humiliation" against French citizens who took part in the flotilla. The flotilla, carrying 430 activists, sailed from Turkey in mid-May and was intercepted by Israeli naval commandos, with all participants transferred to Israel. Ben-Gvir's visit to the transfer site, where he declared "the summer camp is over," drew significant international criticism.
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