Israeli naval forces arrested Renaz Ebrahimi, a Kurdish–Finnish journalist, during the interception of the humanitarian convoy known as the Freedom Flotilla en route to Gaza.
According to Kolbarnews, Israeli naval forces detained Renaz Ebrahimi a Kurdish–Finnish journalist, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Renaz Ebrahimi who has worked for Finland’s national broadcaster Yle was aboard the international aid convoy, which organizers call the Freedom Flotilla, together with four other Finnish citizens. Organizers say Israeli forces stopped more than 40 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies from Spain in international waters; the ships were reported to be carrying medicine and essential goods for civilians in Gaza. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that those detained will be transferred to one of its ports to undergo legal procedures.
Renaz Ebrahimi was born in 1988 into a Kurdish family from Iranian Kurdistan Region. She sought refuge in Finland as a child and has worked with media outlets such as Radio Helsinki, YleX, and Bassoradio. Ebrahimi is known for her involvement in cultural, artistic, and social activities and for her anti-racism work in Finland.
Before the voyage, in an interview with Finnish media, she said her motivation for joining the flotilla was a feeling of helplessness from afar and a desire to provide direct assistance to the people of Gaza. In her last Instagram post she wrote:
“If you see this video, the occupying forces of Israel have arrested us and, against our will, transferred us to Israel. We ask the Government of Finland to act immediately to bring us back. Stop the genocide.”
