11 European countries open investigations into Israeli officials over alleged mistreatment of flotilla activists

La Repubblica reported that Italian prosecutors and counterparts in ten other countries have opened investigations into Israeli officials over the alleged beating of Steadfastness Flotilla activists.

• La Repubblica reported proceedings against 13 Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, over allegations of beatings and torture.
• The investigations follow a meeting in The Hague between Italian prosecutors and representatives of ten other countries, including Portugal, France, Sweden and Australia.
• Complaints state activists were assaulted during two humanitarian missions to Gaza in October 2025 and March 2026 after Israeli naval forces stopped them in international waters.
• The suspects include army chief of staff Eyal Zamir, vice admirals, the Shayetet 13 commander and prison-service officials.
• The Rome probe, widened from a prior investigation focused on Ben-Gvir, now also covers alleged sexual assault and kidnapping of the activists.
• Italian prosecutors sent Israel a judicial assistance request and are coordinating with Eurojust on the case.