Photographer’s Plight: Shahidul Alam Detained En Route to Gaza

Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam has been detained by Israeli forces while en route to Gaza as part of an international peace flotilla. According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 8. Moments before his detention, Alam posted an update and a video message on his verified Facebook page. Earlier, he had live-streamed an Israeli attack on the vessel The Conscience, which was part of the Freedom Flotilla.

In his recorded video message, Shahidul Alam said, “I am Shahidul Alam, photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are watching this video, it means we have been intercepted at sea and I have been abducted by the Israeli occupying forces. With the support of the United States and other Western powers, they are committing genocide in Gaza. I call upon all my comrades and friends to continue the struggle for the freedom of Palestine.”

Citing the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Al Jazeera reported earlier that Israeli forces attacked the fleet as it sailed toward Gaza, seizing several vessels, including The Conscience. The flotilla confirmed that during the assault, The Conscience carried 93 journalists, doctors, and human rights activists, among whom was Shahidul Alam. Israeli forces also reportedly attacked three smaller boats accompanying the main vessel.

According to the flotilla organizers, the detained ships and passengers have been taken to an Israeli port. The Ministry stated that all passengers are safe and are expected to be repatriated to their respective countries soon.

The Freedom Flotilla is an international peace initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.