Renaz Ebrahimi, a Finnish journalist detained by Israeli forces during the interception of the Gaza aid flotilla, has begun a hunger strike, according to activist movement Global Sumud Flotilla. The group said Ebrahimi and other detainees are protesting their treatment in Israeli custody, amid growing international criticism.
The flotilla of 42 boats, carrying more than 450 activists from over a dozen countries, was seized in international waters earlier last week while attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Six Finnish nationals were among those arrested, alongside high-profile figures including climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Global Sumud and other participants allege detainees have been denied food, clean water, medicine, and legal access. Reports also accuse Israeli guards of physical mistreatment, including blindfolding, handcuffing, and forcing women to remove religious clothing such as hijabs.
The Finnish Foreign Ministry has downplayed the situation. Consul Chief Jussi Tanner told Helsingin Sanomat that Finland saw “nothing particularly unusual” in the detentions, stressing that citizens lose freedom abroad in different contexts every year. Activists rejected his remarks, accusing the government of ignoring the harsh realities faced by the detainees.
Israel has denied claims of abuse, calling them “brazen lies.” The Foreign Ministry insisted that detainees’ rights were upheld. However, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir contradicted that stance, saying he was “proud” of the conditions and mocking the activists as “supporters of terrorism.”
Accounts from deported activists paint a darker picture. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi told the Associated Press that detainees were mocked, denied medicine, and “treated like monkeys.” Others reported being forced to kneel for hours, deprived of food, and intimidated with dogs. Malaysian activists Heliza and Hazwani Helmi said some detainees were forced to drink from toilets.
Thunberg was reportedly dragged, wrapped in an Israeli flag, and paraded by guards, according to multiple witnesses, including Turkish journalist Ersin Celik.
Hundreds of activists have since been deported to Turkiye, Italy, and other nations. Spain and Greece confirmed dozens of their citizens remain detained.
The flotilla, organised by Global Sumud, set sail in late August to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Its interception has fueled protests worldwide and intensified debate over Israel’s policies.
The arrests come as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue in Cairo, with mediation from the U.S. and regional partners. President Donald Trump has proposed a 20-point peace plan, tying hostage releases to a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. While Israel has accepted the terms, Hamas has agreed to less than half.
According to Gaza health officials, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed more than 70 people. Hamas is believed to be holding 48 hostages, with around 20 thought to be alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said hostages would be returned “within days,” but warned Hamas that disarmament remains non-negotiable.
As diplomatic talks stall, the fate of detained activists like Ebrahimi now on hunger strike highlights the mounting human toll of the blockade and ongoing conflict.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
