French Activist Files Torture Complaint against Israelis over Gaza Flotilla Detention
French activist Thomas Guenole filed a torture complaint against Israeli individuals, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, over his detention during Gaza’s 2025 flotilla.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Guenole said he filed a complaint in France alleging torture and mistreatment following his detention during the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla.
- Guenole said his complaint included Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir among the individuals he accused of responsibility.
- The activist encouraged other French participants in the 2025 and 2026 Gaza flotillas to file complaints over their treatment.
Torture Complaint Filed in France
French political scientist and activist Thomas Guenole said Wednesday that he had filed a complaint alleging torture against Israeli individuals involved in his detention during the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.
“I filed a complaint today… for acts of torture against the Israeli individuals who kidnapped me and inflicted mistreatment on me during the 2025 flotilla for Gaza, including (Israeli) Minister (Itamar) Ben Gvir,” Guenole wrote on X, according to Anadolu news agency.
Guenole said the complaint was filed with France’s Central Office for the Fight Against Crimes Against Humanity.
He thanked the French gendarmes who received the complaint for their “remarkable professionalism.”
“I encourage all French veterans of the 2025 and 2026 flotillas to go and file complaints as well,” he added.
Global Sumud Flotilla
Guenole participated in the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla, an international initiative that attempted to reach the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid.
Israeli occupation forces intercepted flotilla vessels in international waters in October 2025 and detained activists aboard them, according to Anadolu.
Guenole’s complaint concerns what he says happened during that detention. His allegations have now been formally submitted to the French office responsible for investigating crimes against humanity and related international crimes.
By naming Ben-Gvir among those he accuses, Guenole’s complaint also places an Israeli government minister among the individuals against whom he is seeking action by French authorities.
The filing does not itself establish criminal responsibility. French authorities will determine whether the allegations warrant further investigation or judicial proceedings.
(PC, AA)