France opens probe against Israel over Gaza flotilla claims

French anti-terror prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into Israel following complaints from activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces, escalating tensions between Paris and Jerusalem.

The probe was launched after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot referred allegations of abuse and mistreatment to prosecutors. French officials cited footage released by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists arriving in Ashdod as a key trigger for the legal move.

Israel has strongly dismissed the accusations as fabricated and politically motivated, arguing that the flotilla was a deliberate provocation designed to generate anti-Israel headlines and international pressure on the Jewish state. Officials insist all detainees were treated in accordance with Israeli law and standard procedures.

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