Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 (UNI) Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, has paid a significant visit to the AKG Centre, the headquarters of Kerala’s ruling CPI(M), expressing heartfelt gratitude for the party’s long-standing support and solidarity with the people of Palestine.
In discussions with CPI(M) leaders, Ambassador Abu Shawesh highlighted the continuing denial of democratic rights to Palestinians, attributing the escalation to imperialist support for Israel, which, he said, has been contravening established international conventions.
The CPI(M) leadership reaffirmed its staunch support for Palestine’s right to self-determination, a position echoed by Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a separate meeting with the envoy. Chief Minister Vijayan declared Kerala’s consistent solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating, “Kerala has always stood with Palestine, and we reiterate our support to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.”
He further emphasised that, in accordance with UN resolutions, the realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is essential for peace in West Asia and called on the global community to act urgently. Ambassador Abu Shawesh, while explaining the hardships faced under Israeli occupation, described Kerala’s support at this critical juncture as “a beacon of hope” for Palestinians.
He appealed for greater international solidarity and expressed hope that Kerala’s example would inspire others. As part of the International Media Festival organised by the Kerala Media Academy, solidarity with Palestine took center stage. The Chief Minister, inaugurating the event yesterday evening, urged society to unite in defense of press freedom, criticising increasing corporate control over media outlets and warning that independent journalism is under severe threat.
“Where independent journalism is lost, democracy ends,” he asserted, noting the proliferation of fake news and the mounting challenges to critical thinking and constitutional values.
The Palestine Solidarity statement was formally handed over to Ambassador Abu Shawesh. In a vibrant show of support, dignitaries, including Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, the Ambassador, and others, participated in flying kites and balloons inscribed “Kites Rise, So Will Palestine.”
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Abu Shawesh spoke about the harsh propaganda war waged against Palestine by Israel and much of the Western media, which, he said, peddled dangerous myths and dehumanizing portrayals of Palestinians. While social media is also exploited for misinformation, it simultaneously serves as a crucial channel for sharing the stark realities from Gaza with the world.
He revealed that 252 journalists have lost their lives in Gaza due to honest journalism, highlighting the sacrifices made to uphold truth and democracy. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal echoed these sentiments, noting Kerala’s heartfelt solidarity with Palestine and emphasising the selfless sacrifices of journalists in conflict zones.
He remarked, “Nearly 300 journalists killed while reporting from Gaza gave their lives for democracy and humanity. Their sacrifices have brought to light the unparalleled suffering in Palestine.”
The festival also saw the conferral of major journalism awards. African journalist Mariam Ouedraogo received the Media Person of the Year Award 2024, while the Indian Media Person awards for 2022 and 2024 were presented to Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai, respectively.
Kerala Media Academy Chairman R.S. Babu presided over the function attended by journalists and officials, including Information and Public Relations Department Director T.V. Subhash and Prabhavarma.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh closed the ceremony by thanking Kerala and calling for proactive social media support to counter propaganda, urging the people of Kerala to help spread the truth about Gaza across the globe.
