'We will break the siege': Shahidul Alam updates from Gaza flotilla despite illness, storm warnings

Bangladeshi photographer Shahidul Alam, sailing on the Conscience — the largest vessel in the Global Sumud Flotilla — has reported feeling unwell onboard. 

In a Facebook video this evening (2 October), Shahidul said he was being well looked after as the convoy pushes toward Gaza amid storm warnings and reports that several ships ahead were intercepted. 

The flotilla, made up of dozens of vessels and hundreds of activists, has been a focus of international attention after Israeli forces intercepted multiple boats attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza. 

Shahidul sent a message from the upper deck describing a bout of sickness and a fall, and asked the public to excuse his lack of individual replies. 

He wrote, "People have been asking how I am. Apologies that I can't respond to you individually. I did vomit today and fell afterwards, but nothing serious. With 20 doctors on board plus nurses we are probably the best looked after passengers on a ship in Medical terms. I did love all the attention I got. My niece Mowli would have said I was being a drama queen. I day closer to Gaza." 

In further captions posted from the Conscience's deck, Shahidul described difficult weather conditions and the flotilla's determination to continue despite threats and attacks on vessels ahead. 

He wrote, "This is Shahidul Alam from the upper deck of 'Conscience flotilla' the largest of this wave of flotillas and the last one to sail. Storm warnings are coming in from the Greek authorities. We went through a storm last night. The captain increased speed so we could stay ahead of the storm. The storm and the lightening have gone. It has also stopped raining. 

"We are further behind from the rest of the flotilla. The ones in the front have already been attacked. We continue on our path to Gaza, undeterred by this intimidation. We will break the siege. Palestine will be free." 

Organisers say the Global Sumud Flotilla comprised more than 40 vessels carrying symbolic humanitarian aid and activists from many countries; news agencies reported that several boats were boarded or detained by Israeli naval forces in international waters on 1,2 October, prompting international criticism and protests. 

Shahidul boarded the Conscience from Italy days earlier and has been documenting the voyage on social media. 

Local Bangladeshi outlets and international press have republished his firsthand posts from the ship as the situation unfolded. 

At the time of Alam's message the Conscience reported being behind the lead vessels; organisers and participants said crews and medical teams on board were attending to anyone unwell or injured.