France Investigates Israel's 'War Crimes' in Gaza Activist Detention

French anti-terrorism prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into suspected “torture” and “war crimes” related to Israel’s alleged mistreatment of French activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. The probe follows a referral from the French foreign ministry after activists reported severe abuse during their detention. Israel intercepted the flotilla on May 18, detaining over 400 people from nearly 40 countries while they attempted to break Gaza’s blockade, which the UN deems illegal collective punishment.

Reports from returning French activists describe violent and degrading experiences. One activist recounted being groped and slapped in a dark container, fearing rape. Another described being forced into stress positions for hours while the Israeli national anthem played repeatedly. Adalah, an Israeli legal rights group, stated this may be the worst documented case of ill-treatment in a decade, involving physical violence, injuries, and sexual harassment. The flotilla reported at least 15 cases of sexual abuse.

France condemned the incident, banning Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after he mocked detained activists. Several French activists remain hospitalized in Turkey. Plans are underway for a separate legal complaint alleging rape and torture. The activists have refused to meet with the French government, accusing it of supporting what they call Israel’s “genocidal war.” Israel denied the allegations, calling them baseless. A UN expert noted the treatment, while harsh, pales in comparison to that endured by Palestinians in Israeli prisons.