Expect to reach Gaza Monday, plan to report from there, offer aid: Shahidul Alam
Shahidul Alam says the flotilla nears the “danger zone,” prepared for interception, with a mission of journalism, medicine, and solidarity against oppression.
Saturday morning, for Shahidul Alam, started with a regular briefing.
His crew, on board the "Conscience" calculated that they were about 370 nautical miles from Gaza.
"By now [evening], we're closer, though we don't yet have the exact figures."
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But that isn't the critical point, Shahidul said. "Israel usually intercepts well before that."
He expects boarding might begin around 200 nautical miles out.
In a bid to get updates on the flotilla's time of arrival, risks from Israeli-side, mission goals, and personal reflections, The Business Standard reached Shahidul Alam for an interview on Saturday (4 October) evening.
Following Thursday (2 October), Israel has faced international condemnation and protests after its military intercepted almost all of about 40 boats in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.
The Israeli military took captive more than 450 foreign activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg.
In the face of these events, Shahidul Alam said, "Since Conscience is much larger than previous vessels, we don't anticipate them boarding from boats. Instead, they will likely descend from helicopters, as it would be difficult to climb aboard a ship of this height.
"That is what we're anticipating, and we are preparing accordingly," he added.
Challenges at sea, Israeli interception
In the few days that Shahidul has been onboard the ship, he has met with obstacles at the sea. He reported feeling unwell onboard but said he was being well looked after as the convoy pushed toward Gaza amid storm warnings and reports that several ships ahead were intercepted.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail on 31 August from Barcelona. Shahidul was on board the Conscience on 30 September via Italy.
Organisers describe it as the largest maritime mission to Gaza, with nearly 1,000 activists, politicians, doctors, journalists, and artists from 44 countries, united to challenge Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
The flotilla, comprising over 50 ships, is coordinated by four major coalitions: the Global Movement to Gaza (GMTG), the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara.
According to flotilla tracker, all 42 boats in the historic Global Sumud Flotilla mission were illegally intercepted between 1-3 October, while attempting to break Israel's siege on Gaza. 462 people were kidnapped in international waters.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, in partnership with Thousand Madleens and the Conscience, has more boats on the way.
Shahidul explained the sequence and strategy of the Conscience in relation to the rest of the flotilla.
In a Facebook post earlier today, he wrote that the Conscience, the largest vessel to participate in this movement, was the last to start. It set off on 30 September 2025 from Otranto in Italy, by 2 October, the earlier vessels of Sumud Flotilla had been intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). One vessel that had evaded capture has also since been captured. But eight other boats had set off just before Conscience. There are two other Floating Freedom Coalition boats as well. The Conscience, being a faster boat, caught up with them mid sea. They went right through these vessels at high sea, but then decided to slow down and approach Gaza as a group.
As of today, at least 137 activists from the flotilla that attempted to break the Israeli maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip have been deported to Turkey, Israel's Foreign Ministry said.
'Made a conscious decision not to adopt any violent stance'
When asked about measures on board to handle potential interception or danger, Shahidul explained that the vessel is not equipped to physically prevent an attack.
"We have made a conscious decision not to adopt any violent stance," he said.
"Instead, we are focusing on securing all our data and strengthening cybersecurity. We've also been guided by highly qualified lawyers on what to expect and how to respond, and we have teams in Palestine and elsewhere already taking anticipatory actions."
Shahidul emphasised that the flotilla is not primarily an aid mission, though the team carries enough supplies to avoid being a burden on Gaza.
"Our team consists mostly of journalists and medics. As professionals, our intent is to break this illegal siege because Israel has no legal right to detain or divert us. We are in international waters."
Moreover, Israel has specifically targeted journalists and medical workers, Shahidul said, adding, "We want to protest that."
He said the intent for the mission stems beyond just providing relief or aid.
"We plan to report from Gaza and provide medical treatment, to offer what people have long been denied," he said.
Asked whether the team intends to stay in Gaza to provide services, Shahidul replied, "That is what we want to do. Whether we'll be allowed is another matter, but that is our aim."
Regarding potential resistance, Shahidul acknowledged that challenges are likely to come well before reaching Gaza.
"Based on previous flotillas, they've been intercepted far in advance, and in reality, that's what we expect. But our attempt is to reach land, and that is what we intend to do regardless," he explained.
Shahidul also addressed communications with Israeli authorities, saying the team has only received indirect messages so far.
"We've maintained contact only with people we fully trust," he said.
When asked about the nature of these indirect messages, he added, "They involve disinformation, flagging, misinformation, and threats. Arresting participants of previous flotillas is another form of intimidation. That's what Israel does."
Shahidul Alam's words underline the flotilla's commitment to non-violence, professional duty, and reporting from Gaza despite the risks.
"We, however, want to continue as journalists. We are not being partisan. We want to find the truth, report the truth, and maintain that position."
He further updates on the vessel's position, nearby activity, and communication plans.
When asked about other ships or aircraft in the area, Shahidul said, "A little while ago, we sighted an aircraft but couldn't identify what it was. Earlier, we also saw a naval ship that we suspect might have been Turkish. At this point, we don't believe we've been approached by Israeli vessels."
Arrival plans and communication updates
Regarding the flotilla's expected arrival in Gaza, Shahidul explained, "Had we continued at normal speed, we would have expected to arrive late Sunday."
The ship was, however, slowed down to coordinate with slower vessels.
"We'll probably arrive on Monday," said Shahidul Alam.
He also highlighted that the "danger zone" comes well before reaching Gaza, though its exact boundaries are not clearly defined.
Despite that, Shahidul confirmed that the team intends to keep the public informed as long as possible.
"We'll try to continue filming and reporting for as long as we can, right up until the very end," he said.
'Bangladeshis' support gives us strength and inspiration'
Shahidul Alam expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Bangladeshis at home and abroad.
Asked about his current state of mind and the mission, Shahidul said, "First, I want to acknowledge the incredible support I've received from Bangladeshis not just at home but around the world. Their solidarity has meant a great deal to all of us. It gives us strength and inspiration."
He emphasised the broader significance of the mission, reminding fellow Bangladeshis of their responsibility toward oppressed people worldwide.
"Our Constitution calls on us to stand by oppressed people anywhere in the world. That's what we're doing.
"The youth of Bangladesh have shown they can fight autocracy at home. I'm confident we can do so globally as well," he said.
Shahidul also addressed concerns for the safety of the flotilla crew. "I'm well. Physically, we're doing very well. Mentally, we're strong, and the fact that people have expressed such strong support has made a huge difference not just for me, but for all the members of our team. We feel that you're with us, and that solidarity gives us strength."
Through these words, Alam conveyed not only the dedication of the flotilla team but also the deep connection they feel with supporters back home, highlighting the spirit of solidarity that underpins their mission.
