French prosecutors open probe over treatment of French nationals on Gaza flotilla

AI Summary

French prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation into allegations of torture and war crimes concerning French nationals intercepted by Israeli authorities during a Gaza-bound flotilla. The probe arises amid accusations linked to Israel's naval blockade enforcement in the Palestinian territory.

PARIS, June 5 (Reuters) - French anti-terrorism prosecutors said on Friday they had opened a preliminary investigation into suspected torture and war crimes over the alleged mistreatment by Israeli authorities of French nationals who were part of an activist flotilla bound for Gaza. The probe follows Israel's interception of the flotilla, which the activists said had been seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and to challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave.