Bangladeshi photojournalist of international repute, Shahidul Alam, has issued an update from a Gaza-bound flotilla, describing the challenges faced by those on board as they continue their mission to break the Israeli blockade.

Writing from the Mediterranean, Alam noted that the sea was calmer this morning after being “extremely rough” the previous day, which left him briefly unwell. “It is unpredictable, so we don’t know how long this will last,” he said.

Alam reported that the flotilla is now separate from the Sumud Flotilla, which has already been captured by Israeli forces. Of the 17 boats that initially set sail, only nine remain: eight smaller vessels and a larger ship carrying Alam. 

The other boats set off slightly ahead of us, but we expect to overtake them today. We will then be the front vessel heading to Gaza,” he wrote, acknowledging the risks involved.

The large vessel is carrying 96 people, including 82 journalists, medical professionals, and organisers, in addition to the ship’s crew. According to Alam, the mission is not primarily focused on delivering humanitarian aid, though the group has supplies to ensure they do not become a burden on Gaza’s residents.

This is to break the illegal siege. We are here to protest against the journalists and medical professionals killed alongside the ordinary women, men and children in Gaza by Israel. Since foreign media blocked, we want to break the siege, especially the media siege," he said.

Alam also referred to the death of the 14th doctor from the French NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), saying that while France had so far issued statements, it had taken “no action”.

In his message, Alam emphasised that morale on board remained high. “Your love and your encouragement gives us strength. We shall prevail. Palestine will be free.”