France has asked the PNAT to open a probe into alleged war crimes and torture of French activists detained after a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. A late-May video shared by Israel's Itamar Ben-Gvir showed more than 430 detainees kneeling with wrists bound, prompting France to ban him from entry. Several activists report groping, slapping and prolonged "stress positions," while Israeli authorities deny the allegations. The episode also sparked criticism within Israel and follows a related incident in Spain.
France Opens War-Crimes Probe After Video Shows Detained Gaza Flotilla Activists
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli national security minister, shared footage of the treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees in Israel
France has asked the national counterterrorism prosecutor's office (PNAT) to investigate alleged war crimes and torture of French activists detained after attempting to reach Gaza aboard an aid flotilla. The request follows complaints from detainees and the circulation of a video shared by Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Allegations And Video Footage
In late May a video posted by Mr Ben-Gvir appeared to show more than 430 protesters kneeling with their wrists bound while the minister taunted them. In response, France issued a ban on Mr Ben-Gvir entering the country and asked PNAT to open a formal probe into the treatment of French nationals.
Accounts From Detainees
Several French activists have described what they said was violent and humiliating treatment while held. AFP and participant accounts say one woman was groped and slapped inside a dark container and feared she might be raped. Another detainee described people being forced into a "stress position" — kneeling with their foreheads on the ground for several hours while the Israeli national anthem played repeatedly.
Official Responses
The Israeli Prison Service has denied allegations of physical and psychological violence, sexual harassment, assault and rape, calling such claims "entirely without factual basis." The incident prompted internal criticism in Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's right to block flotillas he described as supportive of Hamas but said Mr Ben-Gvir's conduct "is not in line with Israel's values and norms." Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also criticised Mr Ben-Gvir, saying his actions had "caused harm to our state" and undermined diplomatic work.
Scope, Numbers And International Reaction
More than 30 French nationals were detained onboard the flotilla; eight have returned to France and two are recovering in hospital in Turkey. The footage drew condemnation from international officials, including the UK and Spain, and a related episode in Spain reportedly showed pro-Palestinian activists beaten and detained at Bilbao airport after deportation from Israel.
The PNAT investigation will examine whether the reported treatment meets the legal thresholds for war crimes or torture under international law. The inquiry is ongoing and may take time to gather testimony and evidence from those involved.
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