A demonstration in support of the Gaza aid convoy Global Sumud Flotilla was held in Helsinki on 2 October 2025. Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Protests broke out in Helsinki and Tampere following Israel’s seizure of a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla that included six Finnish nationals.
Israeli forces intercepted the final vessel of the 44-boat Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday morning. Hundreds of international activists were detained, sparking widespread condemnation and demonstrations in several countries.
In Finland, protesters gathered in central Helsinki and Tampere to demand government intervention and support for the detained Finns.
In Helsinki, more than 1,000 people assembled outside Parliament House and at Rautatientori on Thursday afternoon. Protesters called on the Finnish government to condemn Israel’s actions and secure the safe return of the Finnish citizens on board the flotilla.
Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and signs denouncing the blockade of Gaza. The event remained peaceful, according to police and reporters on site.
Activist Noora Aho, present with her child, said the situation in Gaza required a public response. “Now is not the time to stay at home,” she said. “We must act.”
The protest was organised by Global Movement to Gaza, which had coordinated the Finnish involvement in the flotilla. Its spokesperson Ämäl Salih said the arrest of peaceful humanitarian volunteers in international waters was unacceptable.
“We urge the Finnish government to ensure the safe return of its citizens,” Salih said.
In Tampere, a separate protest blocked traffic in the city centre on Thursday evening. Around 150 people gathered on Hämeenkatu, halting buses and trams for over an hour.
Police ordered the group to move off the road and onto the pavement. No arrests were made, and the demonstration ended by 20:10.
Traffic disruptions lasted between 45 and 60 minutes. The protest had not been registered with authorities in advance. Police said the situation remained calm throughout.
The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from ports in Spain and Tunisia last month, carrying over 470 people and humanitarian supplies. Its stated goal was to challenge the blockade on Gaza and deliver aid directly to civilians.
The Israeli navy intercepted all 42 vessels, most in international waters. The last ship, the Marinette, was boarded early Friday about 43 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. The vessel had a six-person crew and was flying a Polish flag.
Israeli authorities have confirmed the detention of 461 individuals and said deportations were underway. Four Italian citizens were deported on Friday. Finland has not confirmed the location or status of its six citizens involved.
The flotilla organisers said several detainees began a hunger strike immediately upon arrest. They also reported that communications from the vessels had been cut.
International Transport Workers’ Federation general secretary Stephen Cotton said Israel’s actions violated international law. “Attacking or seizing nonviolent, humanitarian vessels in international waters is illegal,” he said.
Reporters Without Borders said more than 20 journalists were among those detained. The group called the arrests “a serious violation of the right to inform and be informed.”
Israeli officials said the flotilla had ignored warnings to stay clear of the area, which they described as an “active combat zone.” They claimed the vessels were attempting to breach a “lawful naval blockade.”
The United Nations has not yet issued an official statement, though UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called the interceptions “illegal abduction.”
World leaders have also responded. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and the cancellation of a bilateral free trade agreement. European governments, including those of Germany, Ireland and Greece, have called for the release of the detained activists.
One of the highest-profile figures reported on the flotilla is Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Israeli authorities did not disclose her condition or confirm her whereabouts.
In Finland, the protests turned political after Jussi Halla-aho, Speaker of Parliament, said he was insulted by protesters while observing the demonstration outside Parliament House.
Writing on social media, Halla-aho said demonstrators shouted insults and slogans targeting him personally after recognising him. He claimed chants shifted from “Free Palestine” to “No Nazis in Helsinki” upon his arrival.
The incident has sparked debate about public discourse and protest conduct. Halla-aho said he did not feel unsafe but questioned the inclusivity of the demonstration.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has not issued a public statement on the flotilla or the protests. The Global Movement to Gaza continues to urge the government to take diplomatic action.
The seized vessels remain at the Israeli port of Ashdod. It is not known when or if they will be returned to their owners.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
