Rome Prosecutors Investigate Israeli Defense Minister Katz and IDF Chief Zamir Over Gaza Flotillas

The allegations under investigation include torture, kidnapping, unlawful boarding of vessels in international waters, robbery, and violations of fundamental rights such as access to legal counsel. Activists from the first mission reported experiencing beatings, injuries, death threats, and insults. Participants in the second mission, intercepted in May 2026, described harsher treatment, including beatings in the dark, and the use of stun guns and rubber bullets. According to Haaretz, flotilla organizers also reported at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape, on a converted ship, though the Israel Prison Service has denied all allegations of sexual abuse and mistreatment.

The investigation was partly fueled by international outrage over a video released by Minister Ben-Gvir showing bound and blindfolded activists kneeling at Ashdod Port while he mocked them. Italian President Sergio Mattarella criticized Ben-Gvir's actions, describing them as reaching an extreme degree of baseness, which led to Rome summoning Israel's ambassador. While Italy has requested judicial assistance from Israel and is coordinating with other European countries, Israel maintains that its naval blockade of Gaza is legal and that its actions were counter-terrorism measures in line with international law.