Italy probes Israel’s Katz over abuse, sexual assault of flotilla activists

What the report says

Italian prosecutors in Rome have opened an investigation into Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and 12 senior military, police and prison officials over allegations of abuse against activists detained after Gaza-bound flotilla interceptions. Al Jazeera reported that the case, announced on Friday, expands an inquiry that had already included far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The allegations cited by prosecutors include suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and damage.

The probe stems from complaints filed by 50 Italian citizens who were detained after two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026. According to the prosecutors’ statement, activists from the first mission reported beatings, injuries, threats and verbal abuse, while those from the second said detention conditions were harsher, with accounts of beatings in the dark, taser use and rubber bullets. The activists also said there were at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape.

The flotillas were organized to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza while delivering aid. The first sailed from Barcelona in September 2025 and was intercepted in international waters in October, while the second departed in April 2026 and was stopped near Crete, with later interceptions off Cyprus. Al Jazeera reported that Rome’s prosecutors sought information from Israel in June and have coordinated with Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation agency.

Under Italian law, crimes committed abroad against Italian citizens can be pursued in Rome. If the inquiry advances, prosecutors could seek a formal trial request.