Through discussions, topics, dignitaries, and even participant badges, the festival took a clear stand on Gaza, becoming a powerful platform against war and invasion…reports Ashok Parameswar
The International Media Festival of Kerala, organised by the Kerala Media Academy, stands as a powerful example of how art, dialogue, and solidarity can intersect. This year, the festival became more than a celebration of media — it transformed into a statement of support for the Palestinian people, who continue to endure war crimes, genocide, and invasion at the hands of Israel.
As Israel’s Gaza invasion persists, voices around the world have united for Palestine — women, children, and communities calling for the basic right to live with dignity. But how can a media festival become a protest, a declaration of solidarity with victims of genocide? The IMFK offers a striking answer.
Through its discussions, choice of topics, the voices of invited dignitaries, and even the badges worn by participants, the festival projected a clear stance on the Gaza conflict. It became a platform where media professionals, alumni, and audiences collectively voiced their concern — turning the event itself into a statement against war and invasion.
The presence of the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, added immense weight to this message, making the festival a poignant blend of culture, dialogue, and protest. In doing so, IMFK proved that a media festival can be much more than art — it can be a bold act of solidarity.
Thank You Kerala!
Decades after a defining moment in their struggle, the voice of Palestine echoed loud and clear in Kerala. Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah Abu Shawesh arrived with a powerful message — a blend of gratitude, defiance, and urgency. Praising Kerala and India for their unwavering support, he described their solidarity as a light amid Gaza’s darkest hours. Speaking during his week-long visit, Abu Shawesh declared that the Palestinian resistance burns on, unbroken, insisting that even after two years of October 7, those who stand for the cause are fighting not just for survival, but for the survival of their entire generation.
He argued that the sustained attacks and what he termed “genocide” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza are driven by political motives rather than security concerns. “This is a devilish attempt by Netanyahu to sustain his power in Israel, nothing else,” Abu Shawesh said, alleging that the operations are designed to divert attention from corruption charges against the Israeli leader.
The envoy welcomed US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, echoing the sentiments of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, but underlined that its success will depend on Israel’s actions on the ground. Addressing an event at the Kerala Media Academy, he said, “President Abbas is welcoming this issue, but we should wait to see how the Israelis will react. Theoretically, it sounds good, but practically — with their tanks and bombardments — we must see whether they will show genuine commitment to this peace plan.”
Abu Shawesh arrived in Kerala at the invitation of the Kerala Media Academy, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended a warm welcome to him, describing the visit as significant for fostering dialogue.
On October 7, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump announced the Gaza peace plan, stating that “if accepted by Hamas, it means the immediate end of the war itself.” Netanyahu, while sceptical about the feasibility of a peace deal in Gaza, expressed appreciation to Trump for making the effort possible, stating that when “our two countries stand shoulder to shoulder, we achieve the impossible.” The White House release of the peace plan came against the backdrop of nearly two years of intense conflict in Gaza.
Abu Shawesh did not hold back his criticism of Israel’s military operations, describing them as “textbook genocide.” He cited the devastating toll of the conflict: “We are talking about 725 days of continuous massacres. Around 65,000 to 66,000 innocent Palestinians have lost their lives. Gaza lies under rubble, and the majority of people are displaced.”
He stressed that Israel’s commitment to peace must be measured by action rather than rhetoric. Criticising the international community, Abu Shawesh argued that treating Israel as a state “above international law” undermines prospects for peace. “It is so easy — and we will not stop saying it — when Israel abides by international law and agreed resolutions, peace will be possible. But as long as Israel enjoys full impunity, peace will not return to the Middle East,” he said.
On the issue of hostages, Abu Shawesh insisted that both Palestinian and Israeli detainees must be released. He claimed nearly 12,000 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons, many of whom “endure daily torture and ill-treatment.” His position was clear: “Hostages should not be taken at all, whether Palestinian or Israeli.”
Highlighting Palestine’s diplomatic priorities, the envoy said his government is actively engaging with BRICS members to secure full membership in the grouping, and has sought India’s strong support in this effort.
Through his remarks, Abdullah Abu Shawesh conveyed a message that blended gratitude, defiance, and cautious optimism — reflecting both the tragedy of Gaza’s suffering and the aspiration for a lasting resolution.
Gandhi’s India Arming Gaza’s Killers: Brittas
In a striking and emotional address, John Brittas MP said that the nation that has Mahatma Gandhi as its Father of the Nation is now supplying weapons that are killing children in Gaza. His remarks came during the inauguration of the Save Gaza Sangamam, held as part of the closing ceremony of the International Media Festival of Kerala, organised by the Kerala Media Academy.
The Sangam, held at Manaviyam Veethi in Thiruvananthapuram, brought together voices of solidarity for Palestine. John Brittas MP, A.A. Rahim MP, R. Parvathy Devi, Vinod Vaishakhi, Pramod Payyannur, Suresh Vellimangalam, Kerala Media Academy Chairman R.S. Babu, and Secretary Arun S.S. lit the Palestine Solidarity Lamp in a symbolic gesture of support.
Brittas cited Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that “Palestine is for the Palestinians, as Britain is for the English and France is for the French,” questioning how India could engage in an arms trade with Israel. He pointed out that when 158 countries supported Palestine in the United Nations, India abstained from voting. He also raised the issue of MPs attending banquets hosted by the Israeli ambassador without public scrutiny, saying the matter is not even discussed in Parliament.
Turning to the role of the Indian media, Brittas criticised the way the Gaza situation is described merely as a “conflict.” “We must ask ourselves where the Indian media — which calls a unilateral attack a conflict — has landed,” he said. He condemned the silence of the media even after Israel had killed numerous journalists, calling it a moral failure. “There should be anger in minds that have not become numb to conscience. It is a matter of pride that a small state like Kerala is raising its voice against this among the 28 states in the country. Gaza is a part of our heart. To join that part is to join the process of becoming human. Organising for Gaza adds to the brilliance of the International Media Festival,” he said.
Speaking next, A.A. Rahim MP expressed pride in gathering to speak for Gaza. R. Parvathy Devi, Vinod Vaisakhi, Suresh Vellimangalam, and Pramod Payyannur also delivered messages of solidarity. The closing ceremony was presided over by Academy Chairman R.S. Babu, welcomed by Secretary Arun S.S., with Adv. P.M. Lal proposing the vote of thanks.
The Save Gaza Sangam at IMFK stood as a powerful affirmation that media, art, and dialogue can become acts of conscience — a declaration of solidarity for those who continue to suffer.
