Facts
On 14 May 2026, the Global Sumud flotilla, consisting of about 50 ships, set sail from Türkiye with the aim of making a new attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.
On 18 May 2026, Israeli authorities arrested 430 activists, including about 30 French nationals, aboard the ships. Intercepted in the Mediterranean, they were forcibly taken to Israel and then detained at Ktziot Prison (in southern Israel). They were subsequently deported.
Procedure
On 29 May 2026, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced that he had referred the case to the French judiciary regarding the alleged mistreatment of the French members of the Gaza flotilla, following the release of a video published by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, showing activists kneeling with their hands bound after being intercepted at sea and placed in detention in southern Israel.
On 5 June 2026, an investigation was opened by the French specialised unit for the prosecution of international crimes (PNAT) into allegations of torture and war crimes.