Italy Expands Probe into Alleged Torture, Kidnapping of Gaza Flotilla Activists

Italian prosecutors in Rome have broadened their investigation into alleged abuses against activists participating in the "Flotilla of Steadfastness" heading to Gaza. The probe now includes Israeli ministers, military and security leaders, police officials, and prison service personnel. These individuals are being investigated in connection with the interception of flotilla ships and the detention of participants during two missions in 2025 and 2026.

The investigation, according to the Italian Public Prosecutor's Office, encompasses suspicions of torture, kidnapping, assault, theft, and property damage. These allegations stem from complaints filed by 50 Italian citizens who participated in the missions. The first mission took place between September and October 2025, and the second between April and May 2026. The investigation initially focused on Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, before expanding to other officials suspected of involvement in managing or overseeing the interception and detention operations within the Israeli military and security hierarchy.

The case began after 50 Italian activists filed complaints with their national judicial authorities, detailing their experiences during the interception of the "Flotilla of Steadfastness" ships by Israeli forces. The flotilla's aim was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the blockade. Italian Carabinieri special operations forces' anti-terrorism unit assisted in reconstructing the events and identifying leaders involved. Investigators relied on participant testimonies and evidence analysis, including the circumstances of the ship interceptions, the transfer of detainees to Ashdod port, their subsequent detention in Israeli facilities, and their eventual release and return to Italy.

The expanded list of suspects includes political and military figures, as well as leaders from the navy, police, and prison service. Among those under investigation are Minister of Security Israel Katz, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army Eyal Zamir, former Navy Commander David Saar Salama, Navy Chief of Staff Tal Politis, Commander of the Naval Commando Unit 'Shayetet 13' Idad Borochovich, Ashdod Naval Base official Eitan Paz, Israeli Police Commander Daniel Levi, Head of the Prison Service Kobi Yaacobi, Ketziot Prison police official Menachem Bibas, Prison Service Unit 'Nachshon' Commander Assaf Zaguri, and Israeli Border Police 'Magav' Commander Baruch Yitzhak. For the second mission, the command structure was similar, with changes in naval leadership including General Commander Eyal Haril and Chief of Staff Guy Levi.

The investigation is examining the interception of the flotilla ships in international waters, which the Italian prosecution believes may violate international maritime law. Allegations include the destruction of communication equipment used for live broadcasts, damage to related equipment, and confiscation of participants' electronic devices. The probe also covers the transfer of activists to Ashdod port, their detention at Ketziot prison, and the conditions of their confinement until their release.

Complaints include allegations of physical and psychological abuse during interception and detention. Specific claims involve beatings, assaults in darkness, and the use of stun guns and rubber bullets during the second mission. Activists also reported death threats, verbal abuse, and accusations of terrorism. They complained of repeated denial of basic food and medical care, even in emergencies, and sleep deprivation due to detention conditions at Ketziot prison. The investigation is ongoing, and no final judicial ruling has been issued.

This expansion represents a further step in seeking accountability for Israeli officials in Italian courts regarding flotilla interceptions and detentions. The key challenge for investigators is to establish a direct link between the investigated officials and the reported incidents, and to determine the nature of orders issued and the responsibility of each party. The case's developments will determine if further legal proceedings will occur, with the accusations still under examination by Italian authorities.