Italy probes Israel’s Katz over abuse, sexual assault of flotilla activists
Summary
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and others over how activists were treated when Israeli forces stopped boats trying to reach Gaza in 2025 and 2026. The investigation looks into accusations including torture, kidnapping, injuries, theft, and sexual assault of detained activists.Key Facts
- The probe includes Israel Katz, military and police officials, and focuses on treatment of activists on Gaza-bound boats.
- The boats were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters in two missions, in 2025 and 2026.
- Around 50 Italian citizens who were detained after these missions filed complaints leading to the investigation.
- Activists reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults, and accusations of terrorism.
- The second mission’s detainees described more severe abuse, including beatings in dark, tasers, rubber bullets, and sexual assaults.
- Italian prosecutors requested judicial help from Israel to gather more details but have not said if Israel responded.
- Under Italian law, crimes against Italian citizens abroad can be tried in Italy.
- Similar investigations are happening in other European countries through EU judicial cooperation.
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