“We have entered the Palestine time zone” before the last ship was intercepted

Drik’s managing director and photographer Shahidul Alam has announced that their vessel has separated from the relief fleet, the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla,’ which was heading toward Gaza.He shared this in a video message posted on Facebook today, Friday at noon.

Shortly after Shahidul Alam posted the video, Israeli forces intercepted the last vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In the video, recorded before the ship was intercepted, Shahidul Alam said, “Today is 3 October 2025. As you can see, the sun is bright. We have entered the Palestine time zone. Those with the Sumud Flotilla took a different route. We are moving separately.”

“This was our plan so that if anything happened to them, we could continue forward.

We have learned that Israel has detained all their ships,” he added.Referring to recent violence, he said,

“Just last night 14 physicians from Medicine Sans Frontiers (MSF) were killed. We will see how France responds. So far, they have only offered empty words. The time for words is over. Now is the time to fight and act. That is what we are doing as citizens.”

Shahidul Alam mentioned they are sailing ahead on the largest ship, accompanied by eight smaller boats that departed earlier. “At this moment, these nine vessels, including ours, are free. We have entered the Palestinian time zone. Though there is still distance to cover, we will sail together today. Our ship will lead afterward. This means the pressure will be on us, but we are determined to reach Gaza and will not be stopped.”

He clarified that their mission is not just to deliver aid but to break the blockade of Gaza.“The Sumud Flotilla boats had the responsibility of carrying aid. We, however, are not going to deliver aid. Our purpose is to break the illegal blockade,” he said.

Shahidul Alam also stated, “There are many journalists and physicians on board, along with other workers. But we are not going under the pretext of aid delivery. We are here to fight. We have the right to be in Palestine. We will protest the killings by Israel, including those of journalists and doctors.”

He repeated, “Fourteen MSF physicians were killed just last night. We are waiting to see France’s response. So far, only words have been spoken. The time for words is over. Now is the time to act and resist. That is what we are doing as citizens.”

“What we can do is act as citizens because many leaders have betrayed these causes. Your support is our inspiration,”

the Bangladeshi photographer added.He described the sea conditions, saying, “This morning, the sea was calm, which was unexpected since it can change anytime. Yesterday was rough, and I felt a bit ill, but now I’m fully recovered and ready to continue.”

In the video caption, he wrote, “We will be victorious, Palestine will be free.” He said there are 96 people on their ship, including 82 media and medical professionals, along with organizers, members of the Flotilla Coordination Committee, and the ship’s crew.