Renowned photographer and writer Shahidul Alam has not yet been able to reach Gaza as scheduled. In a recent update, he shared his current situation, the challenges ahead, and how long the journey might still take.
On Sunday (October 5), at 12:24 PM Bangladesh time, Shahidul posted on his verified Facebook page, detailing the progress of their mission and the uncertainties involved.
In the post, he wrote that the best way to track their journey is through real-time trackers. The group Forensic Architecture—with whom Shahidul previously collaborated on a documentary about the killing of Abu Sayeed—is currently tracking the paths of the two boats involved: Conscience and Thousand Madilins.
Regarding when they might reach Gaza, Shahidul noted that it largely depends on how the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) respond. “Based on past experiences, they are unlikely to let us through. We may be detained, turned back, or even imprisoned. There’s no way to know when or where it might happen—it’s out of our hands,” he wrote.
Calling for support, Shahidul added, “What we need now is your help. If you can take actions that apply public pressure to let us reach Gaza, that would be the best outcome. The only way is through collective pressure on Israel. This is your moment—take action, unite, and resist. This is a campaign for justice and human rights. We must do this together.”
He also mentioned receiving a message of encouragement from Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus earlier that morning, which boosted his morale.
Shahidul Alam is currently on board Conscience, one of the ships in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madilins to Gaza (TMtG) initiative. The FFC is part of the broader Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis there. While this flotilla is not carrying food or aid, it serves as a symbolic and political protest voyage.
