ANTARA condems Israeli attack on Anadolu Agency office in Gaza

The ruins of a building where Anadolu Agency’s office is located in the Gaza Strip after it is attacked by Israeli warplanes, Sunday (5/05/2019). (Anadolu News Agency)

We believe that we can represent the Indonesian press community in expressing a condemnation over the attack on press freedom,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Israeli warplanes hit the building on Saturday (4/05/2019) where Anadolu Agency’s office is located in the Gaza Strip.(Anadolu News Agency)

President Director of ANTARA News Agency, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, has voiced solidarity with Anadolu News Agency in the wake of Israeli attack on its office in the Gaza Strip on Saturday. He condemned the attack on the news agency which was carrying out a reporting professionally.

"We deeply regret the escalation in Gaza and call on all parties to stop the ongoing attacks which torments innocent citizens, when Muslims are welcoming the holy month of Ramadan," Meidyatama Suryodiningrat said in Jakarta on Sunday.

He mentioned, one of the consequences of Israel's aggression was the attack on Anadolu News Agency office in the Gaza Strip.

He pointed out that ANTARA, Indonesia's News Agency, committed to upholding the function of the press in a professional manner in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as fighting for the rights of Palestinians.

"We believe that we can represent the Indonesian press community in expressing a condemnation over the attack on press freedom," Meidyatama Suryodiningrat said.

ANTARA and Anadolu are active member of Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), one of the biggest news organization in the world. Currently, OANA brings together 44 news agencies from 35 countries. OANA members are accountable for the circulation of two-thirds of the information worldwide. According to Anadolu News Agency, Israeli warplanes hit the building with at least 5 rockets after warning shots.

No injuries or death were reported. Turkish and Palestinian officials strongly condemned.

“Targeting of @AnadoluAgency #Gaza office is new example of Israel’s unrestrained aggression,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Twitter and added: “#Israeli violence against innocent people w/out distinction is a crime against humanity. Those who encourage Israel are also guilty.

“Will keep defending #Palestinian cause, even if alone.”

“We strongly condemn Israeli attack on Anadolu Agency office in Gaza that intends to cover up its new crimes,” Turkey's Presidential aide Ibrahim Kalin said on twitter.

“Israel's hitting Anadolu Agency's office [in Gaza] is an attempt to get rid of the witnesses, a preparation of massacres in Gaza,” Palestinian government said in a statement.

The strikes occurred following reports that two Israeli soldiers had been injured by gunfire near the Gaza-Israel buffer zone on Friday 3/05/2019)..

Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani