GAZA, (HAN) – A Somali woman holding Finnish citizenship, Shifa Abdi, has been confirmed among those seized by Israeli forces after the interception of humanitarian aid boats heading toward Gaza’s coastline. The boats were attempting to deliver essential supplies to the civilian population and break Israel’s long-standing blockade on Palestine.
Shifa Abdi was part of an international delegation that included doctors, journalists, human rights defenders, and humanitarian volunteers from several countries. The group aimed to provide medical assistance, food, and other forms of aid to the more than two million residents of Gaza, many of whom are facing severe shortages due to the blockade, ongoing conflict, and limited access to basic services.
Reports from Finland indicate that Shifa’s family is deeply concerned for her safety, noting that authorities have not yet confirmed the exact location where the abducted individuals are being held. The family has called on international organizations and diplomatic channels to secure her release and ensure her protection under international law.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage in Europe. Demonstrations are taking place in multiple cities, with activists condemning Israel’s actions and demanding accountability for what they describe as violations of humanitarian law. Protesters emphasize that targeting humanitarian missions constitutes a serious breach of international norms and undermines efforts to alleviate civilian suffering in conflict zones.
Despite the global condemnation, Arab and Muslim-majority countries have largely remained silent, with no coordinated diplomatic response or concrete measures to support the Palestinian population. Observers note that this silence contributes to the perception of limited international pressure on Israel to respect humanitarian principles.
The abduction of Shifa Abdi, alongside other international activists—including parliamentarians from Italy and Turkey—is being widely criticized as a clear violation of international law, including the Geneva Conventions that protect civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Human rights organizations have warned that such acts demonstrate a growing disregard for the safety of humanitarian missions and highlight the urgent need for global accountability.
Analysts emphasize that incidents like these not only put individual lives at risk but also undermine broader humanitarian efforts, making it more difficult for aid organizations to operate in areas of conflict and for the international community to respond effectively to human suffering.
