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Italy probes Israel’s Katz over abuse, sexual assault of flotilla activists
Confirmed
In Short: Italian prosecutors have expanded their investigation to include Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz over alleged abuse of activists detained during Gaza-bound flotilla missions.
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and 12 senior military, police, and prison officials over the treatment of activists detained during Gaza-bound flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026.
The investigation, which was initially focused on far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, now includes allegations of torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery, and damage.
The Rome prosecutors' office said the case concerns incidents when Israeli forces intercepted small fleets of activist boats heading towards Gaza.
The activists, who were detained following two Global Sumud Flotilla missions, reported at least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape.
The first Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona in September 2025 with 42 boats and 462 activists.
Flotilla organizers say they aim to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid.
Prosecutors said activists detained after the first mission in 2025 reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults, and accusations of terrorism.
One activist quoted by Al Jazeera said, 'We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked.'
Israeli forces began intercepting vessels near the southern Greek island of Crete on April 30, and by May 19 had detained about 430 people on some 50 ships in international waters.
Several governments, including those of Italy, Germany, Ireland, and Canada, have publicly criticized Israel's handling of the flotilla operations.
Italy’s government condemned the treatment as “unacceptable” and summoned the Israeli ambassador.
In response, the Israel Prison Service said that those detained were held “in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights,” and received necessary and professional medical care.
What's confirmed
- The Rome prosecutors’ office said on Friday that the case concerns suspected torture, kidnapping, personal injury, robbery and damage when Israeli forces intercepted small fleets of activist boats heading towards Gaza in 2025 and 2026.
- It opened the investigation after complaints from 50 Italian citizens who were detained following two Global Sumud Flotilla missions last year and this year.
- Flotilla organisers say they aim to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid.
- Prosecutors said activists detained after the first mission in 2025 reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults and accusations of terrorism.
- Italian prosecutors have placed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and 12 senior military, police and prison officials under investigation over the treatment of activists detained on Gaza-bound solidarity boats, widening a probe that had centred on far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
What's still developing
- Ben-Gvir's conduct toward detained flotilla activists had previously sparked outrage in Italy, prompting Rome to summon Israel's ambassador in protest.
- According to the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, 262 anti-Israel protests and events have been identified across 37 countries, with the United States, Spain, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Italy expected to see the highest number of demonstrations.
- However, according to The Forward, last week he said he “never encouraged them to protest,” but said they “have the right to do so in the city.” Last week, a group of Modern Orthodox Jewish teens protested the mayor’s stance on Israel in front of the mayor’s residence at Gracie Mansion.
- House Democrats on the Foreign Affairs Committee announced a hold on a planned sale of $2.8 billion in bombs to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
- It comes as Democrats increasingly distance themselves from Israel and party activists call for a pivot away from the country.