Indian journalist bodies condemn Israeli airstrike on Gaza building housing AP, Al Jazeera offices
New Delhi, May 16: Indian journalist bodies including the Editors Guild of India (EGI) on Sunday strongly condemned the "brazen" Israeli airstrikes on a building in Gaza that housed the offices of the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and other news media outlets.
The EGI said in a statement that given the recent background of the "escalating conflict" in this region, it sees this airstrike as "a de facto attack on the news media by the Israeli government" that can disrupt the flow of news from this highly volatile region and have global security implications.
"The Editors Guild of India strongly condemns the brazen airstrikes on a building in Gaza that housed the editorial offices of Al Jazeera and the Associated Press," the EGI said.
It also demanded that the Israeli government give "a detailed justification" of the decision-making behind this attack "along with evidentiary proof".
"The Guild also calls for the Israeli government to facilitate an UN-monitored investigation into this bombing raid," it added.
"Further, the Guild urges the Indian government to take up this issue with the Israeli government, demanding an independent inquiry and reiterating the need for ensuring the safety of journalists in any conflict situation," the statement said.
The EGI noted that the bombing raid on May 15 demolished the 12-storey building, destroying much of the camera and editing equipment and severely affecting the news reporting and broadcasting capabilities of the two organisations.
"Besides the loss of hardware and office space, the bombing destroyed what was described as 'home' by some of the journalists," it said.
Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Press Club of India also criticised the action of the Israeli military in a joint statement.
They said there can be no justification for bombing media houses and targeting their personnel and resources.
"It appears as a clear attempt to prevent media houses from reporting excesses that have become a routine affair in Gaza and the occupied parts of Palestine," they said, and demanded that targeting of media persons working in violence-hit conflict zones "be completely stopped immediately".
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I wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for Vishy sir: Gukesh
Chennai (PTI): Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh on Thursday thanked the legendary Viswanathan Anand for playing a huge role in shaping his career, saying "I wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for him".
The 17-year-old Grandmaster scripted history on Monday by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto to become the youngest ever challenger to the world title, beating a record created by the legendary Garry Kasparov 40 years ago.
The triumph paved the way for Gukesh's clash against reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.
"Vishy sir has been a huge inspiration for me and I have heavily benefitted from his academy. I am truly grateful to him and wouldn't have been close to what I am now if it wasn't for him," Gukesh said at a press conference a few hours after his arrival here to a rousing reception from fans and schoolmates.
Gukesh has trained at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy which came into existence in 2020. Incidentally, before Gukesh, Anand was the only Indian to have won the Candidates, the last time being 2014.
Speaking about his much-anticipated clash against Liren, Gukesh said, "The biggest challenge against Ding would be how I prepare myself and being in the right state of mind since it will be a big match.
"There are a lot of expectations and a lot at stake. I have full belief in myself and will be going in with the same strategy. Hopefully, it will work out well."
The history-making teen was swamped by fans as he returned to an enthusiastic reception early this morning.
Hundreds of students from the Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where Gukesh studies, lined up at the airport at least one hour before his flight landed to greet him.
"I am happy to see what the victory meant to the country. I was delighted to see young kids full of energy and rooting for me the moment I landed in Chennai. It's truly special and means a lot to me," he said.
His mother Padma, who is a microbiologist, was at the airport to receive him. His father Rajinikanth had travelled with Gukesh to Toronto.
