Published 17 Oct, 2026 08:24
ARCHIVAL PHOTO: Activists from “Global Sumud Flotilla”, dressed in Israeli prisoners' outfits, upon arriving in Rome, Italy. © Getty Images / Riccardo De Luca
The Prosecutor's Office in Rome informed of the extension of the investigation into alleged torture and sexual abuse of activists from the Gaza relief fleet to which Israeli safety services were to commit themselves. The investigation was besides investigated by Israeli defence minister Israel Katz and 12 another high-ranking military, police, and prison services.
In October 2025 and May 2026, Israel intercepted dozens of yachts in global waters and arrested over 800 volunteers from various countries who attempted to break the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian enclave.
The detainees were in custody for respective days and were deported.
The investigation was initiated by the Roman prosecutor's office early this year, after about 50 Italian citizens – participants in the mission ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ – she complained about mistreatment in Israeli detention.
They reported, among another things, at least 15 cases of sexual abuse and rape. Initially, the investigation focused on the far right Israeli national safety minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.
France besides initiated a akin procedure.
In a Friday statement, the Roman prosecution stated that the case against Israeli officials concerns suspicions of torture, kidnapping, injury, theft and demolition of property.
According to the release, activists detained after the mission in 2025 reported that they were beaten, injured, received death threats, were insulted and accused of terrorism.
The participants of the second mission claimed that even worse treatment was encountered by Israeli safety services – among others, they were beaten in the dark, as well as attacked with paralysers and rubber bullets.
Prosecutors reported that in June they requested legal assistance from Israel in the course of the investigation, but it is unclear whether they received an answer from the Israeli authorities.
Italian law allows Rome to prosecute crimes committed abroad to the detriment of Italian citizens.
If the investigation confirms the merits of the charges, Italy may formally apply for Israeli officials to be brought to justice.
Katz and Israeli military commander Eyal Zamir – to whom the investigation is besides ongoing – have not yet commented on these events.
In June, referring to an Italian investigation, Ben-Gwir underestimated the case, stating that “He will inactive be arrogant to stand alongside our fighters.”
The Israeli authorities have repeatedly rejected accusations of mistreatment of activists, identifying the flotilla missions as political provocations to support the Palestinian armed organization Hamas.
Israeli prison service reported that the detainees were being held "in accordance with the law and in full respect of their fundamental rights".
Israel maintains that the blockade of the Gaza Strip is essential to prevent weapons entering this enclave.
It besides denies allegations of blocking supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip – a region from which nearly 2 million people have been displaced since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023, according to UN data.
Israel directed its forces to the Gaza Strip in consequence to the Hamas attack, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 250 being taken hostage.
According to the local wellness ministry, over the last 3 years Israeli raids and land offensives in the Gaza Strip have resulted in over 74,000 Palestinians, including at least 21,000 children.
More than 1,500 people were killed despite being held in a ceasefire enclave, negotiated with the United States in October 2025.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://rt-english.com/news/647328-italy-israel-katz-gasa/
