France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office opened a preliminary investigation on July 1 regarding acts of torture 'following complaints filed by two people who took part in a flotilla that attempted to reach Gaza in October 2025,' according to what it told AFP on Tuesday.

The National Prosecutor's Office explained that the investigations were entrusted to the 'Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity,' noting that they were opened regarding 'the crime of torture within the meaning of (the New York Convention)' of December 10, 1984, against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, which includes a department specialized in crimes against humanity, stated that the preliminary investigation was opened on July 1, 2026, 'following complaints filed by two people who took part in a flotilla heading to Gaza in October 2025.'

The prosecutor's office also opened another preliminary investigation at the beginning of June, on charges of torture and war crimes, following a report from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the way Israel treated French nationals who took part in 'another flotilla heading to Gaza' in May 2026.

As part of this preliminary investigation, the 'Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity,' tasked by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, began contacting around 30 French nationals who were on board the flotilla and heard testimonies from some of them, according to sources close to the case who spoke to AFP in June.

Since May, international condemnations have increased over the treatment that 430 activists from different countries endured at sea and then on land, who were on board the humanitarian flotilla that aimed to break the blockade on Gaza.

The Israeli military authorities and prison administrations have denied these accusations.

Italy opened a similar investigation, and Australia also announced it had opened an independent investigation.