Shahidul Alam, a renowned photojournalist and passenger on the Gaza-bound Conscience vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, shared a stirring update on Facebook at 2:50 am on Thursday (Bangladesh time), describing a tense night at sea.
“The sea became angry tonight, and we struggled to stay ahead of the lightning and the storm. There was another reason for our speed: news came that Israeli pirates were approaching the foremost vessel, Alma,” Shahidul wrote.
“We are the largest vessel, and by targeting Alma, they are trying to intimidate us,” he added.
He further said, “We shall not be cowed down. We came out in this stormy night to issue a statement and sing songs to express our solidarity. We know you too are standing by us. Rise up. Resist. We must not give up the fight for justice.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing severe shortages in Gaza, challenging the Israeli blockade of the territory.