Italian authorities have launched an investigation into Israeli Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir over the treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists in mid-May.
Prosecutors in Rome announced late on Monday that Ben-Gvir was being investigated in a probe focused on allegations of torture and unlawful imprisonment of activists who were part of the Gaza aid flotilla. Israeli authorities have been asked to cooperate.
In mid-May, Israel intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats bound for the Gaza Strip in international waters near Cyprus.
More than 400 activists, including Italian nationals, were attempting to break the Gaza naval blockade. The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the mission as a public relations stunt serving Palestinian militant organization Hamas.
A video posted by Ben-Gvir showing detained Gaza activists in a humiliating manner subsequently sparked international outrage.
"The land of the boot has turned into the land of the flip-flop," Ben-Gvir said on social media platform X in response to the news from Italy.
France's anti-terrorism prosecutor has also opened an investigation into suspected torture and war crimes over Israel's controversial treatment of the activists. Israel denies the allegations of physical and sexual violence.
Paris has already imposed an entry ban on Ben-Gvir. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have condemned Ben-Gvir's behaviour.
