Italy Expands Probe Into Alleged Abuse of Gaza Aid Flotilla Activists
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Italian prosecutors have expanded an investigation into alleged abuses against Gaza aid flotilla activists to include Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz and 12 other military and security officials. The probe, initiated by complaints from 50 Italian participants, investigates alleged torture, kidnapping, and assault during flotilla interceptions in 2025 and 2026. A judicial assistance request was sent to Israel in June 2026, but no response has been confirmed. The investigation aims to determine if reported incidents constitute prosecutable crimes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Italian prosecutors expanded an investigation to include Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz and 12 other officials.
- The probe concerns alleged abuses against Gaza aid flotilla activists in 2025 and 2026.
- Fifty Italian citizens filed complaints alleging torture, kidnapping, assault, and theft.
- Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is also among the officials named in the investigation.
- A judicial assistance request was sent to Israel in June 2026.
- The investigation initially focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Italian prosecutors have expanded their investigation into alleged abuses against activists from the "Freedom Flotilla" heading to Gaza, now including Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz and 12 other Israeli military and security officials. The probe, which also names Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, stems from complaints filed by 50 Italian citizens who participated in two flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026. These complaints allege crimes such as torture, kidnapping, assault, and theft during the interception and detention of the activists.
The investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office focuses on two interception operations by Israeli forces against boats bound for Gaza, one in September-October 2025 and another in April-May 2026. Complainants reported being beaten, threatened, and insulted. Participants in the first mission described injuries and death threats, while those on the second mission reported harsher treatment, including beatings in darkness and the use of stun guns and rubber bullets.
Initially, the investigation was limited to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, but it has now broadened to include leaders across multiple military and security institutions. Ben-Gvir had previously denied being under investigation.
In June 2026, Italian prosecutors sent a judicial assistance request to Israel seeking information to reconstruct the events and identify responsible parties, but it remains unclear if Israel has responded. The investigation is examining complaints related to the interception of the Freedom Flotilla, an international initiative aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid its blockade.
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