France has officially launched an inquiry into the treatment of its nationals who participated in the recent Gaza flotilla. This decision was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who stated that the inquiry follows alarming reports of abuse faced by activists during their detention by Israeli forces.

Barrot highlighted that the reports detailed severe mistreatment, including sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings, and repeated humiliations. These actions could potentially constitute criminal offenses, prompting the French government to take action. The inquiry aims to investigate these allegations thoroughly. Barrot said he received a report from French diplomats in Turkey that “detailed sexual violence, exposure to cold, beatings and repeated humiliations of French nationals — all acts that could constitute criminal offenses.”

The activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have accused Israeli forces of inflicting severe mistreatment during their detention. Reports from various sources indicate that many activists experienced physical abuse, including beatings and the use of tasers, as well as psychological intimidation through the presence of attack dogs.

In addition to physical violence, there are serious allegations of sexual violence against some activists, with reports of at least 15 individuals claiming to have been sexually assaulted, including instances of rape. These claims have raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and the conduct of Israeli forces. Activists accused Israeli forces of mistreatment in detention, describing beatings, tasers and attack dogs.

The treatment of the activists has drawn international condemnation. Leaders from various countries, including Spain and Italy, have publicly criticized the actions of Israeli forces. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the treatment as 'unacceptable,' while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for an apology from Israel.

The flotilla's mission was part of a broader effort to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has been criticized by the United Nations and human rights organizations as illegal. The blockade has led to severe shortages of essential supplies in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.