Italy Opens Criminal Investigation into Flotilla Detention; Activists Detail Abuse at Bilbao Airport Clashes

Italy opened a formal criminal investigation on May 23, 2026 into the detention of Italian nationals seized from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces on May 18, with charges encompassing kidnapping and allegations of sexual assault. Italian Foreign Minister Tajani, who had already formally requested EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir, confirmed the investigation was proceeding through the Italian judiciary. Separately, returning flotilla activists arrived at Bilbao Airport (Spain) to welcoming crowds, but clashes broke out; Spanish Basque Ertzaintza police were filmed hitting people with batons and dragging them across the floor, with 4 arrested. Amnesty International condemned the 'excessive use of force.' Israel's foreign ministry reacted with sardonic statements about Spanish police conduct — noting the contrast with Spain's earlier condemnation of Israeli detainee treatment. The juxtaposition became a point of acute diplomatic embarrassment for multiple European governments simultaneously condemning Israeli detainee practices. Multiple released flotilla activists — including German, Turkish, and Italian nationals — gave testimony to their respective governments detailing beatings, taser use, rubber bullets, and what some described as sexual violence during Israeli detention.