SAFA — Italian prosecutors in Rome have opened a criminal investigation into 13 senior Israeli political, military, and security officials, including Israeli War Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, over the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and accusations of torture, physical assaults, and degrading treatment of international activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the investigation is examining the seizure of the Gaza-bound vessels, the detention of activists, and possible responsibility within Israel's political and military leadership for abuses committed during and after the naval operations.

Prosecutors are also investigating accusations that detained activists were denied access to lawyers and consular representatives.

The inquiry extends beyond the interception of the ships at sea to the treatment of activists after they were transferred to Israeli ports, prisons, and detention facilities.

Israeli Ministers and Military Commanders Under Investigation

According to La Repubblica, the investigation covers 13 Israeli officials, including Katz, Ben Gvir, and Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

Other officials named in the inquiry include naval and special forces commanders, police personnel, and officials responsible for detention facilities.

Italian prosecutors are examining the political and military decisions surrounding the interception of the flotilla, including orders issued before the operation and instructions governing the treatment of detained activists.

Investigators are seeking to determine whether the abuses described by witnesses were committed by individual personnel or formed part of a broader pattern linked to decisions made within the Israeli chain of command.

The investigation is also examining possible responsibility for the detention and subsequent deportation of activists who participated in the humanitarian mission.

Activists Describe Torture, Beatings, and Degrading Treatment

The investigation includes accusations of serious mistreatment during the interception of the vessels and the activists' subsequent detention.

According to La Repubblica, flotilla participants described being beaten, threatened, tightly restrained, deprived of sleep, and denied adequate food and water.

Several witnesses also described the use of dogs and stun devices, alongside verbal abuse and accusations of terrorism directed at members of the civilian humanitarian mission.

Prosecutors are examining these accounts as part of an inquiry into possible criminal offenses committed by Israeli forces and detention personnel.

The investigation also addresses restrictions on access to legal counsel and consular assistance.

Investigation Examines Detention at Ashdod and Ketziot Prison

Italian investigators are examining the treatment of activists at every stage of the Israeli operation.

According to the newspaper, prosecutors are scrutinizing the interception of the vessels, the transfer of detainees to Ashdod port, and their subsequent confinement in detention facilities, including Ketziot Prison.

The inquiry also covers the deportation of activists, many of whom were transferred to Turkey before returning to their home countries.

Witnesses have described mistreatment both during the naval operations and after arriving on Israeli territory.

Investigators are seeking to reconstruct the decisions made by Israeli authorities during these stages and identify officials who may have authorized or supervised the treatment of detainees.

Prosecutors Gather Testimony From Around 50 Witnesses

La Repubblica reported that Italian prosecutors have collected statements from approximately 50 people, alongside video recordings, medical documentation, and reports concerning injuries sustained by activists.

The evidence is being examined to establish the circumstances of the flotilla's interception and the treatment of participants in Israeli custody.

Investigators are also tracing the chain of command to determine whether senior officials issued instructions connected to the actions described in witness testimony.

The inquiry is examining possible offenses including unlawful detention, torture, theft, destruction of property, and endangering the safety of the vessels.

The collection of witness accounts, medical evidence, and recordings is intended to help prosecutors assess individual criminal responsibility.

Ben Gvir Video Examined as Potential Evidence

The Italian newspaper said investigators are paying particular attention to a video published on social media by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

The footage shows detained flotilla activists at Ashdod port, handcuffed and kneeling on the ground while armed Israeli security personnel stand nearby.

According to La Repubblica, prosecutors are examining whether the recording provides evidence relevant to the treatment of detainees.

The fact that Ben Gvir published the footage himself has drawn particular attention from investigators.

The video is being assessed alongside witness statements, medical records, and other evidence gathered during the inquiry.

Prosecutors From 11 Countries Coordinate Investigations

The Italian proceedings are part of broader judicial cooperation involving prosecutors from several countries examining Israel's interception of the Gaza-bound flotilla.

According to La Repubblica, prosecutors from Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Finland, and Slovakia have held meetings to exchange information and coordinate aspects of their inquiries.

The cooperation is intended to support the collection and examination of evidence concerning the treatment of activists and the actions of Israeli authorities.

The newspaper said the Italian investigation has moved beyond the initial gathering of testimony toward a more detailed assessment of possible individual responsibility.

However, being placed under criminal investigation does not establish guilt or necessarily mean that an official will face charges or be convicted.

Israeli Flotilla Raids Face Growing Legal Scrutiny

The investigation comes amid continued international scrutiny of Israel's interception of civilian vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Global Sumud Flotilla sought to challenge Israel's naval blockade and draw attention to the humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians under Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Israeli forces intercepted the vessels and detained international activists, many of whom were subsequently deported.

Testimonies from participants describing beatings, threats, deprivation, and degrading treatment have now become part of criminal inquiries examining the conduct of Israeli personnel and senior officials.

The Italian investigation seeks to establish whether criminal offenses were committed during the flotilla operation and subsequent detention, and whether responsibility extends to members of Israel's political and military leadership.

Its findings could determine whether prosecutors pursue charges against officials connected to the operation.

Source : Safa News