France Opens War Crimes Investigation into Israel Amid Activist Allegations

France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has launched a preliminary investigation against Israel following allegations of “torture and war crimes” against Gaza aid flotilla activists.

The inquiry, referred by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, stems from a video shared by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which shows activists detained at Ashdod Port being compelled to kneel and declare, “Welcome to Israel, we are the masters of this house.”

The probe, assigned to the Central Office for Combating Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes (OCLCH), was prompted by international condemnation of the footage. French media cite a report by AFP as a key source for this development.

Implications of the video extend beyond diplomatic fallout. French officials described it as “visual proof of Israeli conduct,” positioning it as the catalyst for actions including the immediate expulsion of Ben-Gvir from France and a detailed consular report to the prosecution.

Activists allege physical, sexual, and verbal abuse

The “Global Sumud Flotilla,” comprising around 430 activists from over 50 vessels, was intercepted off Turkey’s coast before its passengers were transferred to Ketziot prison and deported. Additional details reveal that among 37 French nationals on board, allegations of beatings, humiliation, exposure to extreme conditions, and sexual violence were raised.

Separately, Adalah Legal Center has demanded an investigation into previous incidents involving German activist Anna Liedke, who claims she was strip-searched and sexually assaulted by female guards at Givon Prison. Her account alleges that during transfer from Ashdod Port to Ketziot, she and others endured shackling, blindfolding, threats, and physical assaults.

Liedke further states she was subjected to a coercive “medical check” upon arrival at Givon, during which masked male guards allegedly monitored female detainees in a curtained area while female guards conducted invasive searches.

Israeli authorities counter that these claims are baseless and politically motivated, asserting compliance with legal protocols throughout the detention process.

Despite official denials, the video remains central to activists’ legal efforts against Israel. The preliminary investigation, while still early, marks another strategic setback for the country in France’s judicial and diplomatic spheres.