Israeli naval forces have detained Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, along with more than 150 international volunteers, after intercepting a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters on Wednesday. The nine-ship convoy, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying over $110,000 worth of medical supplies and humanitarian aid for hospitals in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that the detainees, now taken to Ashdod Port, are in good health and will be repatriated soon. Organizers alleged that Israeli commandos raided the vessels from helicopters and unlawfully seized their boats. Turkey condemned the operation as an act of piracy and a serious breach of international law, saying Turkish citizens and MPs were also on board. The incident adds to growing global criticism of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has intensified famine and humanitarian suffering since October 2023.
Human rights activists detained from the Gaza-bound flotilla, including Bangladeshi photographer and rights activist Shahidul Alam, have been taken to Israel’s Ashdod Port, according to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night (October 8).
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