French Investigation into Gaza Flotilla Treatment

French prosecutors have begun a preliminary inquiry after reports that Israeli forces may have tortured and committed war crimes against French activists on a Gaza-bound flotilla. The case was opened following a referral from the foreign ministry on May 28, in line with France’s criminal procedure rules that require officials to report suspected crimes. The investigation is now handled by the Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Hate Crimes, which deals with serious offenses.Organizers claim that several activists were injured, hospitalized, and that at least fifteen people experienced sexual assaults, including rape. Israeli authorities deny any wrongdoing, but the allegations have drawn criticism from Canada, Germany and Italy as well. The French authorities are still gathering evidence to confirm the claims.