Italy Launches Torture Probe Into Gaza Aid Fleet Activists, Names Israeli Officials
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Rome’s judicial authorities have expanded an investigation into the Israeli military’s raid on the Gaza aid fleet, placing 13 Israeli officials, including the defense and interior ministers, under judicial scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of activists. This investigation is part of the inquiry into the attack on the “Samoud” Global Fleet, which includes Israeli Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, War Minister Israel Katz, and several senior military commanders, police officials, and prison authorities.
The judicial probe pertains to two humanitarian missions of the “Samoud” Global Fleet in October 2025 and May 2026, aimed at breaking the naval blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the region. The investigation by Rome’s prosecution office is not limited to the seizure of vessels but also encompasses the potential responsibility of political and military officials in the chain of command and the conditions of detention for the activists.
The case was initiated following a complaint filed by 50 Italian citizens who were detained during the fleet’s two missions. These individuals reported facing mistreatment and violence during the seizure of their vessels in international waters and subsequent transfer to detention centers of the occupying regime. Allegations include beatings, torture, theft, and illegal detention. Rome’s prosecution is examining testimonies from activists, video footage, medical records, and technical documentation to verify these claims.
The newspaper also reported that the investigation is being pursued in cooperation with judicial authorities from 10 other countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, Finland, and Slovakia. The original sources for this report include the Italian newspaper ‘La Repubblica’ and the Mehr News Agency.
