French authorities have launched a formal investigation into allegations that Israeli forces abused French citizens detained during the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla earlier this month.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that prosecutors were asked to examine claims involving physical assault, humiliation, and alleged sexual violence against activists arrested during the Israeli military raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The flotilla, made up of more than 50 vessels carrying activists and humanitarian aid, departed from the Turkish city of Marmaris in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the boats in international waters on May 19 and detained more than 400 people from dozens of countries.
According to testimonies from several French activists, detainees were subjected to harsh treatment while in custody. Some reported being beaten, exposed to cold conditions, verbally abused, and humiliated during detention before later being deported.
One activist, Meriem Hadjal, alleged that she was physically assaulted and feared sexual violence while being held by Israeli personnel. Another activist, Adrien Jouan, displayed bruises he said resulted from beatings during detention.
Israeli authorities have strongly denied all accusations of abuse.
Human rights groups and legal advocates, including the Israeli rights organisation Adalah, said the allegations could represent one of the most serious cases of mistreatment involving flotilla activists in recent years.
France has already taken diplomatic action over the incident, including summoning the Israeli ambassador. Last week, Paris also barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country following controversy surrounding a video showing detained activists blindfolded and restrained.
Lawyers representing several French activists are reportedly preparing separate legal complaints related to allegations of torture, humiliation, and sexual abuse.
The incident has increased international criticism of Israel’s handling of foreign activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, although many Western allies continue to support Israel politically and militarily amid the ongoing regional conflict.
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