Italian prosecutors probe Ben-Gvir over Gaza flotilla activists

Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over his treatment of activists aboard a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla. The probe examines allegations of torture and kidnapping during the detention of detainees at the Port of Ashdod earlier this month, according to the ANSA news agency.

Rome probe examines torture allegations

The Rome Prosecutor's Office is specifically scrutinizing Ben-Gvir's conduct toward activists held with their hands bound behind their backs at Ashdod, sources familiar with the matter said. Investigators are also examining the broader actions of Israeli authorities during the boarding and detention of the passengers, which included several Italian nationals.

Video footage draws global criticism

The investigation follows the mid-May interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla by Israeli naval forces in international waters. Live broadcasts from the vessels showed naval forces boarding the boats, while video later released by Israeli authorities depicted Ben-Gvir walking among detained activists who were kneeling in tightly packed formations with their hands zip-tied. The minister appeared in the footage waving an Israeli flag and taunting the detainees, drawing widespread international condemnation before authorities released all activists.

Parallel probe into April interception

Earlier this year, Rome prosecutors opened a separate investigation into the detention of Italian nationals during Israel's interception of a Gaza aid flotilla in international waters near Greece in April. That probe followed three formal complaints regarding the treatment of activists during the boarding operation.