Björk calls for release of childhood friend, musician Magga Stína, detained by Israeli forces
Stína was on board one of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels intercepted by Israeli forces during its mission to deliver aid to Palestinian civillians
Björk is calling for the safe return of her childhood friend and musician, Magga Stína, who was detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission to Gaza on Tuesday (October 7).
Earlier this week, Magga joined one of nine new vessels as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy aiming to break the Isreal's seige on Gaza to deliver medical aid, food, and water to civillians in the territory.
When the Global Sumud Flotilla first set sail in September with more than 40 boats, it became the largest civilian-led maritime convoy in history. Last week, every boat on the mission was intercepted by Israeli forces as they neared Gaza.
Nine new vessels were deployed on the mission earlier this week carrying medical workers, journalists, activists, and musicians — including Magga, reportedly the first Icelandic person to join the flotilla.
“My childhood-friend, musician Magga Stína, has just been kidnapped by the Israeli army,” Björk said in a statement on Instagram on October 8.
“She sailed on a boat following Greta Thunberg in trying to open the path for international aid to Gaza. I believe activism is as diverse as humans are. I support Magga Stína and Greta doing everything possible to try to stop the genocide in Palestine.”
She noted that Iceland “has been first in recognising many small nation’s independence,” referencing the country's decision to recognise a Palestinian state in 2014. “Even though we are few, our voice matters,” Björk adds.
“We can continue to set an example of having the courage to rise up against oppression and represent peace,” she continued. “It is illegal to starve people and hinder that food arrives to children.”
Björk urged Icelandic authorities to “follow their own support for Palestine 11 years ago”, and stop all business interactions with Israel until the “genocide in Gaza stops”.
“In the same spirit, I ask all the world to bring every single nation’s hostage home,” she added, calling for Magga’s “safe return” home.
Last week, Björk became the latest artist to join the No Music For Genocide boycott, confirming that she will remove music from streaming services in Isreal in response to the continued violence against Palestinian people. Other artists who have signed the pledge include Arca, Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C and Kelela.
Read Björk's full statement below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter
