Björk Pleads for Release of Childhood Friend Detained by Israeli Army After ‘Freedom Flotilla’ Seizure: “Our Voice Matters”

Icelandic artist Björk issued an urgent public plea on the morning of October 8, 2025, saying a childhood friend and fellow musician, Magga Stína, was taken into custody after participating in an international aid flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip. In an Instagram post, Björk wrote that Stína had been “kidnapped” by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid as part of a multi-boat mission.

In the post, Björk described the flotilla as an effort to open a corridor for aid to Gaza and said she supported the activists — including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg — who sailed with the convoy. Read Björk’s Instagram message here:
Instagram.

“My childhood-friend, musician Magga Stína, has just been kidnapped by the Israeli army… I support Magga Stína and Greta doing everything possible to try to stop the genocide in Palestine,” Björk wrote.

Björk further urged Icelandic authorities to act, asking that Reykjavik honor its previous support for Palestinian statehood and use diplomatic and economic pressure until the violence in Gaza ends. She also called on the international community to press for the safe return of detained civilians.

Human-rights organizations have raised alarm about conditions in Gaza. In July, Amnesty International published findings concluding that starvation and denial of relief were being used as part of an effort against Palestinians; Amnesty’s analysis is available on their website. Amnesty International.

According to reporting from The Associated Press, Israeli authorities said they detained 145 activists who were part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thousand Madleens to Gaza; the detainees were taken ashore, processed and later deported. At the time of publication, Israeli military and foreign ministry spokespeople had not responded to requests to confirm whether Magga Stína was among those held. (See: Associated Press)
AP report.

The interception follows an earlier operation in which more than 400 activists aboard roughly 40 vessels — including European lawmakers and Greta Thunberg — were stopped while attempting to reach Gaza with what organizers described as a symbolic amount of aid. Organizers of the October 8 flotilla, which reportedly included members of the European Parliament and national lawmakers from Turkey, Denmark, France and Belgium, characterized the detentions as arbitrary and unlawful.

The family of Magga Stína (born Margrét Kristín Blöndal) has appealed to Icelandic officials to secure her release. They said relatives and friends are deeply worried about how detainees are being treated and urged the government to act immediately on behalf of the volunteers aboard the vessel Conscience, which they say carried medicine, medical supplies and food. Icelandic Monitor covered the family’s statement. Icelandic Monitor.

The family has alleged that some detainees faced poor conditions — they said detainees were mistreated, denied adequate food and water, and were sometimes deprived of necessary medication.

Magga Stína is a classically trained violinist who has led the Icelandic punk outfit Reptile and contributed to numerous Icelandic projects. She released the experimental record An Album on Björk’s Ear label in 1998 and toured as an opening act for Björk’s 1998 Homogenic dates, among other collaborations. Background information is available on music reference sites such as Last.fm. Last.fm.

International scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza has intensified during the two-year conflict. Gaza health authorities report heavy civilian casualties, and independent bodies have warned of widespread destruction to essential infrastructure. In September, the International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution concluding that actions in Gaza raised questions about compliance with the U.N. Genocide Convention; BBC coverage on that vote is here: BBC.

Israel has consistently denied allegations of systematic starvation or genocidal intent. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back on an IPC panel report that described the humanitarian situation as a “man-made famine,” stating Israel does not pursue a policy of starvation. See the Prime Minister’s public message on social media for his remarks.
Statement.

Separately, diplomatic efforts to negotiate hostage releases and an end to fighting continue. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously set an informal deadline tied to a proposed 20-point plan; U.S. envoys and other negotiators have since travelled to the region to participate in mediation talks. Recent reporting on diplomatic movements includes coverage by The Times of Israel. Times of Israel.

This story is developing; family statements, organizational reports and official responses continue to emerge. We will update as further confirmations or official information become available.

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