Highlights
- Israeli forces attacked and detained all ships in the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla.
- The main vessel Conscience carried 93 journalists, doctors, and activists, including Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation, calling it a “legal blockade enforcement.”
- Shahidul Alam released a video before being detained, claiming he was “abducted by Israeli occupation forces.”
Israeli Forces Seize Gaza Freedom Flotilla
Israeli forces have detained all ships belonging to the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, including Conscience, the vessel carrying renowned Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, Israeli forces first attacked Conscience, which was carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists. Later, three smaller support vessels were also attacked and seized.
Israel Confirms the Operation
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation through a post on X (formerly Twitter). The ministry claimed that the flotilla had attempted to “illegally breach a lawful naval blockade and enter a war zone.”
The statement added that “the ships and passengers are being taken to Israeli ports, and all individuals are safe and in good health. They are expected to be deported soon.”
“সাধারণ ডিম বিক্রি করে আমরা কীভাবে ১৫ লক্ষ কাস্টমার এনেছি—এই বইয়ে আছে তার বাস্তব কাহিনি!”
Shahidul Alam Among the Detained
The Conscience ship, carrying Shahidul Alam—Managing Director of Drik and a key Bangladeshi activist—was part of the nine-ship flotilla sailing toward Gaza.
As of Wednesday morning (October 8, 2025), the Freedom Flotilla’s official tracker showed that all nine ships had been detained by Israeli forces.
Shahidul Alam’s Final Video Message
Before being detained, Shahidul Alam shared a video message on Facebook around 10:30 a.m. Bangladesh time. In his message, he identified himself and explained the situation:
“I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are watching this video, know that we have been detained at sea and I have been abducted by Israeli occupation forces — the same state committing genocide in Gaza with the support of the U.S. and other Western powers. I urge all my comrades and friends to continue the struggle for Palestine’s freedom.”
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Global Reactions and Concerns
The detention of the flotilla has drawn strong reactions worldwide, with human rights groups calling for the immediate release of the activists. Many expressed concern for Shahidul Alam’s safety, recalling his past activism and international recognition for speaking against oppression.
The Bangladeshi government has been urged by civil society groups to intervene and ensure his safe return.
Source: Shahidul Alam
