Shahidul Alam says he has been ‘kidnapped at sea’ by Israeli forces

Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam posted a video on Facebook claiming he was intercepted at sea and kidnapped by Israeli forces.

He accused Israel, with support from the USA and Western powers, of committing genocide in Gaza. Alam urged his friends and comrades to continue the fight for Palestinian freedom.

Israel announced it intercepted all nine vessels of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, including the ship “The Conscience” carrying 93 activists with Shahidul Alam aboard, and is now deporting the passengers.

The flotilla had sailed from Italy two weeks ago attempting to break the Gaza blockade. Israel said all passengers are safe and healthy.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli interception and demanded the release of Malaysian activists on the mission.

This incident follows Israel intercepting 42 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla a week earlier, deporting most of the 479 activists involved, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The flotillas aim to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.