Italy probes Israel’s Katz over abuse, sexual assault of flotilla activists

Author: Al Jazeera Staff and ReutersPublished on: October 16, 2026Country: Italy

Crime & LawWorld / International

Italy probes Israel’s Katz over abuse, sexual assault of flotilla activists

Rome prosecutors have placed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and 12 senior military, police and prison officials under investigation over alleged abuses of activists aboard Gaza-bound flotillas. The investigation followed complaints by 50 Italian citizens detained during two Global Sumud Flotilla missions in 2025 and 2026; Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir is also among the suspects. Activists reported beatings, death threats and at least 15 alleged sexual assaults, including rape, while those detained after the 2026 mission also reported taser and rubber-bullet use. The case expands an Italian investigation that had previously focused on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

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