The Rome prosecutors' office announced the investigation on Friday, following complaints from 50 Italian citizens who were detained during two Global Sumud Flotilla missions. Those named as suspects include Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir.
Prosecutors said activists detained after the first mission in September 2025 reported beatings, injuries, death threats, insults and accusations of terrorism. Those on the second mission in April 2026 reported harsher treatment, including beatings in the dark and the use of tasers and rubber bullets. At least 15 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported.
Luca Poggi, an Italian economist who was detained, told Reuters in May: "We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked."
The first flotilla set sail from Barcelona with 42 boats and 462 activists; Israeli forces intercepted it in international waters in early October 2025, detaining and deporting hundreds. The second mission left Barcelona in April 2026, with about 430 people on some 50 ships detained by May 19, with interceptions occurring near Crete and off Cyprus.
Ben-Gvir dismissed the investigation in June, saying he would continue to "stand proudly alongside" Israeli soldiers. He later posted a video showing him taunting activists who were cable-tied and kneeling at a makeshift prison while Israel's national anthem played.
Flotilla organisers say they aim to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid.