Arabic version: فرنسا تطلق تحقيقًا في معاملة إسرائيل لناشطي أسطول المساعدات
According to Al Jazeera,
France’s public prosecutor is to investigate Israel’s treatment of French nationals arrested during a military raid on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that he had instructed state prosecutors to launch a probe into accusations that Israeli forces had inflicted sexual violence, beatings, and humiliation on activists arrested during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this month, saying the treatment may constitute criminal offences.
The Israeli military intercepted the flotilla in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, arresting more than 400 individuals, including 37 French nationals. Reports indicate that the activists faced harsh conditions during their detention before being deported. Activists described their arrest as “extremely violent,” “humiliating,” and “dehumanising.”
Barrot referenced a report from the French Consul General in Turkiye, detailing accounts of sexual violence and physical abuse. He expressed his decision to refer the matter to public prosecutors based on these findings. France has summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident, joining other allies in condemning Israel’s actions.
Activists have reported severe abuse, with some alleging torture and physical violence while in custody. Meriem Hadjal, a participant, described being “groped” and fearing rape during her detention. Another activist, Adrien Jouan, displayed bruises and claimed he was beaten by Israeli forces. Legal representatives for the activists are preparing to file complaints regarding allegations of rape, torture, and humiliation against their clients.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has documented at least 15 cases of sexual abuse, and legal experts have indicated that this incident may represent the most severe mistreatment of flotilla participants in the past decade. The lack of accountability for Israeli actions continues to raise concerns about the treatment of activists and the ongoing situation in Gaza.
