Shahidul Alam’s Message from the Flotilla

Israeli forces have detained over 200 human rights activists and intercepted 13 vessels from the Gaza-bound humanitarian fleet, Global Sumud Flotilla. Among the flotilla members is Shahidul Alam, the internationally renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist, marking him as the first Bangladeshi participant in the mission.

At 3:00 a.m. Bangladesh time on Thursday (2 October), Shahidul Alam posted a video message on his verified Facebook account, sharing his firsthand experience.

In the message, he stated: “This evening, the sea became turbulent, lightning struck, danger arose. We tried to move quickly before the storm worsened. Another thing happened, which we learned later: the foremost ship, Alma, was attacked by Israeli naval forces. In this heated sea, we are trying to advance as quickly as possible. We are on the last and largest ship. So, we cannot immediately predict what will happen to us.”

Alam also described the attempts by Israeli forces to intimidate them: “What Israel is trying—attacking others to frighten and warn us—is happening. Amidst this storm, we came out together to express our message, to show solidarity with those detained on the flotilla, and to sing songs. We have sent this message to them. You too, by standing with us, with them, and by resisting Israel, make your support known. We will deliver it to them.”