Indian press associations condemn Israeli attack on media offices in Gaza

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) - Indian press associations on Sunday strongly condemned Israel's bombing of a tower block in Gaza that had offices of media houses.

“There can be no justification for bombing media houses and targeting their personnel and resources," said a joint statement by the Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association, and Press Club of India.

“It appears as an attempt to prevent media houses from reporting excesses that have become a routine affair in Gaza and the occupied parts of Palestine. We condemn such attacks."

The building that was hit by Israel on Saturday housed the offices of Associated Press and Al Jazeera news outlets, among others, and was also used for residential purposes.

Journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-story Al Jalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike.

“We demand that targeting of media persons, who are working in violence-hit conflict zones, be completely stopped immediately,” the statement said.

The Israeli military claimed the building housed military assets belonging to Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules Gaza.

News organizations have termed the attack an attempt to stop journalists from reporting on the ongoing tensions.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip in airstrikes since May 10, killing at least 174 people, including 29 women and 47 children, and injuring 1,200 others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.