France Opens Torture Probe Over 67 Injured on Gaza Flotilla as Israel Denies Abuse
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 6
France Opens Torture Probe Over 67 Injured on Gaza Flotilla as Israel Denies Abuse
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 6
Summary
France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor on Friday opened a preliminary torture investigation into Israeli authorities’ treatment of French nationals detained after last month’s Gaza flotilla interception.
Article 40 referral from the Foreign Ministry followed reports of sexual violence, beatings, cold exposure and repeated humiliation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot saying the alleged acts could constitute criminal offenses.
At least 67 of roughly 420 detainees were taken to hospital after captivity and 12 were ultimately hospitalized, flotilla organizers said, alleging tasers, close-range rubber bullets, stress positions, strip searches and rape.
Israel’s military and prison service rejected the accusations, saying procedures require respectful treatment, even as allied governments including Italy and Spain condemned footage of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting restrained activists.
The case adds to wider scrutiny of Israeli detention practices after the U.N. last week blacklisted Israel for conflict-related sexual violence and rights groups said outside monitors have largely been denied access to detainees.
As allies investigate torture claims, will the EU impose sanctions on Israeli officials?
Can a French war crimes investigation finally break the cycle of Israeli impunity?
With Israel on a UN sexual violence blacklist, what will it take to secure justice?
2026 Gaza Flotilla Interception: France Investigates Alleged War Crimes as 428 Activists Detained, Exposing Western Divisions
Overview
Following the 2023 Hamas-led attack, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which led to growing diplomatic isolation from its European allies. In May 2026, French activists who joined a Gaza-bound flotilla returned to France and described violent and humiliating treatment during their detention by Israeli forces, including allegations of sexual assault and being forced into stress positions. These testimonies prompted France to open a preliminary investigation into alleged war crimes and torture against its nationals. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between Israel and Europe, as well as the broader international debate over humanitarian access and accountability.