Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and 12 other senior Israeli officials over allegations of torture, abduction and sexual abuse involving members of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.The Rome prosecutor’s office said on Friday that the investigation concerns the detention of members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail to deliver aid to Gaza in 2025 and 2026. The case was filed based on complaints from Italian citizens who were detained, according to the office.The investigation also includes Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir.According to the allegations, detained flotilla members were beaten, threatened with death and subjected to abuse involving Tasers and rubber bullets. At least 15 allegations of sexual abuse have also been reported, including an allegation of rape.In May 2026, Israeli forces detained around 430 flotilla participants from nearly 50 vessels in international waters. Organisers said the mission aimed to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade of the territory.Italian prosecutors said they had requested judicial assistance from Israel to obtain information relevant to the investigation.If sufficient evidence is found to support the allegations, prosecutors may take steps to bring the accused officials to trial.The allegations remain under investigation.Source: Al Jazeera