France seeks investigation into alleged Israeli abuse of activists

France has formally requested its prosecutors to investigate allegations of abuse against activists from the "Sumud" flotilla by Israeli authorities. The flotilla's mission was to challenge the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip.

This judicial inquiry follows France's earlier decision to ban Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country. Paris cited his "indescribable behavior" towards the "Sumud" activists while they were in Israeli detention after attempting to breach the Gaza blockade.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the request to prosecutors, stating that a report from French diplomats in Turkey detailed "sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and multiple humiliations" of French citizens. Barrot emphasized that these actions could constitute criminal offenses and that the case is now in the hands of the judicial system.

The "Sumud" flotilla, comprising 50 boats, was intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters approximately 400 kilometers off the coast of Israel. Hundreds of activists were arrested and subsequently deported to Turkey. The activists have accused Israeli forces of mistreatment during their detention, alleging beatings, electroshocks, and the use of dogs, claims that Israel has denied.

Minister Ben-Gvir had previously drawn widespread condemnation for promoting a video that appeared to mock the detained activists, further escalating tensions surrounding the incident.