Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, currently aboard the ‘Conscience’ ship of the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ humanitarian convoy heading towards Gaza, shared an urgent message on social media regarding the interception of their ships by Israeli forces.
In a video posted on Facebook, Alam described the situation, saying, “What happened to the Alma ship could happen to us as well. This makes it particularly significant for us.” He explained that while the ‘Alma’ ship, positioned close to Gaza’s maritime border, was intercepted by Israeli forces, the ‘Conscience’ ship, the last and largest of the flotilla, continued its journey.
Alam added that since the interception, there has been no communication with the crew of the Alma. “We just received news that the Alma has been attacked, and shortly after, their signals were cut off. We are all worried,” he said. “We are trying to report from our positions as best we can.”
The humanitarian activist further revealed that they had encountered a storm at sea. “We are trying to continue despite the storm. But we are not stopping. Gaza is our destination,” he said, emphasizing their commitment.
Alam mentioned that the crew had gathered to express solidarity with the crew of Alma, singing songs of unity and hope. “We sent our solidarity to Alma. We are with them, and we want you to let them know that you are with us and standing against Israel’s oppression,” Alam added.
The flotilla, which aims to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, continues despite Israeli interference. Alam joined the largest ship, ‘Conscience’, in Otranto, Italy, on Tuesday. Following the interception of Alma, Israeli forces detained the crew members of 12 other ships. Israeli authorities claimed that these ships had violated their national sovereignty, though they ensured the safe removal of the crew members.
Despite the obstacles, the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’, now consisting of 30 ships, is still on its way to Gaza. According to Reuters, by Thursday morning, the convoy was within 46 nautical miles of Gaza’s coast.
Reports indicate that at least 13 ships of the flotilla had been intercepted by Israeli forces while they were still around 129 kilometers from Gaza, with the crew members, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, being detained.
The ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’, which set sail from Barcelona on August 31, consists of over 40 vessels from 44 countries, carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. Despite the ongoing Israeli intervention, the flotilla remains determined to break the siege and deliver vital assistance to those in need.
