On Friday, France requested a criminal investigation into reports that its citizens were subjected to sexual violence and beatings by Israeli forces following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The activist fleet was seized in international waters on May 18 and 19 while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, leading to the detention of over 400 participants. International outrage intensified after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared footage of handcuffed detainees on the ground, using rhetoric that many critics labeled as 'the theater of punishment.' Returning activists from Canada, Australia, and South Africa have since provided accounts alleging they were tasered, shocked with electricity, and humiliated during their detention.
While the Israeli embassy categorically denies the claims as 'atrocity propaganda', the EU is now discussing potential sanctions against Ben-Gvir and other officials involved in the operation.
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