Italy probes ‘abduction’ after Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla
Prosecutors in Rome have opened an abduction investigation after Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Crete, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
Israel abducted 175 activists from the vessels. Most were later released, including 24 Italian nationals, while two - Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian Thiago Avila - were taken into custody in Ashkelon, a city in southern Israel near the Gaza border.
The investigation follows three complaints filed with Italian authorities, including two relating to Abu Keshek and Avila, who were travelling on Italian-flagged boats.
The flotilla departed from Marseille, Barcelona and Syracuse in Sicily, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Organisers said Israeli naval forces disabled the boats during the interception.
They described the operation as a "violent raid," saying crews smashed engines and destroyed navigation systems, leaving hundreds stranded at sea in what they called a "calculated death trap at sea," ANSA reported.
Rome prosecutors are also examining a separate flotilla interception last year, which remains under investigation on suspicion of torture and other offences.