France launches war crimes probe into Israel’s detention of Gaza flotilla activists
France opened an investigation Friday into possible torture and war crimes tied to Israel’s alleged treatment of French activists detained after joining a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office said the case was launched at the French government’s request after activists accused Israeli authorities of abusing them while in custody last month. According to accounts relayed by French officials after the activists were deported, the allegations included beatings, exposure to cold and repeated humiliation. Israel has denied mistreating the detainees.
The flotilla sought to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza but was intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching the territory. Hundreds of activists from several countries were detained and later expelled.
The probe further escalates tensions between Paris and Jerusalem over the incident. France had already barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country over a video in which he mocked detained activists.
