Italian investigation of Israeli minister over Gaza flotilla

Italian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the detention of activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month. The probe, confirmed by a judicial source on Monday, centers on allegations of torture and kidnapping involving Italian citizens who were among those detained.

The investigation follows the international circulation of a video published by Ben-Gvir in late May. The footage showed detained activists kneeling with their hands bound at Ashdod Port after Israeli forces intercepted the vessels. In the video, Ben-Gvir is seen walking among the detainees while carrying an Israeli flag, and officers are shown forcing an activist to the ground after she chanted "Free, free Palestine."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government described the treatment of the activists as "unacceptable" and summoned Israel's ambassador to Rome for an explanation. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani subsequently asked the European Union to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir, citing the seizure of activists in international waters and their alleged harassment and humiliation. France has already barred Ben-Gvir...