Shahidul Alam Says Flotilla Faces Uncertain Interception

Veteran photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam

Veteran photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam has said that the vessel he is travelling on toward Gaza has been delayed and that it is impossible to predict when or where they might be intercepted.

In a post on his verified Facebook page around 11:00 am (Bangladesh time) on Sunday, the Drik Managing Director shared an update from aboard the Conscience, one of the ships taking part in an international flotilla bound for Gaza.

“Calm seas and glorious sunshine. I had slept on the open deck last night. We would normally have reached Gaza today, but as we slowed down to stay closer to the smaller boats, it will now take longer. The danger zone is well before that, and it is difficult to predict where or when we might be intercepted,” Shahidul Alam wrote.

The Conscience is part of a flotilla organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madelines to Gaza (TMTG), which together are leading the Global Sumud Flotilla—an initiative aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

Although this flotilla is not carrying food or medical supplies, its mission seeks to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocate for the freedom of movement and rights of its people.