Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into "Israel’s" far-right Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the torture and kidnapping of activists who had participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla's mission to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza last month, a judicial source confirmed on Monday.

If prosecutors conclude there are sufficient grounds, they could seek a formal trial request.

Ben-Gvir, who posted humiliating videos of the activists forced to their knees while waving the Israeli flag before them, as well as footage showing him violently shoving a female activist to the ground,  doubled down on his actions, saying, "I will not shy away from one investigation or another and will continue to stand proudly alongside our fighters."

Political fallout spreads from Europe to Canada

The Italian government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blasted the treatment of activists as “unacceptable” and summoned "Israel’s" ambassador for explanations. Rome has also urged the European Union to consider sanctions against Ben-Gvir.

Similarly, France has reportedly moved to ban Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, further escalating the diplomatic fallout across Europe. Poland also imposed a five-year entry ban on Ben-Gvir, while criticism spread across several European capitals.

Moreover, France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) announced a probe on Friday after receiving a referral from the Foreign Ministry concerning the treatment of French nationals detained by Israeli forces during the May 18 seizure of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged "Israel" to launch an independent investigation into the "appalling treatment" of activists detained following the hijacking of their convoy in international waters. 

Source:Websites