French Investigation into Israel's Treatment of Activists from the "Solidarity" Fleet

SadaNews - On Friday, French prosecutors specializing in counter-terrorism announced that they have opened a preliminary investigation into what are suspected to be crimes of torture and war crimes regarding allegations of mistreatment by the Israeli authorities of French citizens who were part of the "Solidarity" fleet heading to the Gaza Strip.

This investigation follows Israel's interception of the fleet, which activists claim aimed to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the Israeli naval blockade imposed on the Palestinian territory.

According to the Reuters news agency, the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office stated that it initiated a preliminary investigation after a referral from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 28.

The office added that the referral was made under Article "40" of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires public officials to report suspected crimes or offenses. It continued that the investigation concerns what are suspected to be crimes of torture and war crimes.

They clarified that the investigations have been assigned to the French Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes.

The organizers of the fleet claimed that the activists were subjected to abuses, with several of them being taken to the hospital after being injured, and at least 15 reported incidents of sexual assaults, including rape. The activists were later released.

The Israeli authorities denied the allegations of abuses. Reuters was unable to independently verify them.

Other Western countries, including Canada, Germany, and Italy, condemned Israel's treatment of the activists.