Bangladeshi photographer and Drik managing director Shahidul Alam said in a video update on Friday that he and his group had separated from Global Sumud Flotilla and were closing on Gaza with the stated goal of breaking the blockade rather than solely delivering aid. His remarks came hours before Israeli forces moved to intercept the flotilla’s last active vessel. Speaking from aboard the ship, Shahidul described calm but unpredictable sea conditions and confirmed the vessel was carrying 96 people, the majority of them journalists and medical personnel. He said the team’s strategy was always to sail independently and to lead the convoy if necessary, accepting the risks that role entails.

Shahidul framed the voyage as a political act of protest against the killing of journalists and medical staff in Gaza and against what he described as international inaction. He said the group carried supplies so as not to burden Gaza’s population, but that their primary objective was to challenge what they called an “illegal siege” and to force open access for media and aid. He also referenced recent reports of MSF medics killed in Gaza, saying the deaths underscored the urgency of their mission and criticizing the international response as largely rhetorical to date. Shahidul said the solidarity and encouragement of supporters gave the group strength and vowed they would continue toward Gaza.

Shortly after his message was posted, media reports and live footage showed Israeli forces boarding and detaining vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, signalling a tense escalation as the convoy approached the blockaded coast. Authorities and flotilla organisers have reported multiple detentions; international reactions and developments are continuing to unfold.

Sun News/ra