New Delhi: As the Israel-Palestine conflict intensifies and poses a significant threat to the safety of Indian citizens in Israel, the Indian government has initiated “Operation Ajay” to facilitate their safe return. With approximately 18,000 Indians residing in Israel, this operation aims to ensure their well-being during these tumultuous times.
“Special charter flights and other arrangements are being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The first lot of Indians who had registered to return has been notified and they will be put on the first special flight tomorrow to India, the country’s embassy in Israel said in another post.
“The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” the post read.
Meanwhile, in Israel, an emergency government has been formed to address the conflict with Hamas, which erupted after the group’s fighters launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli soil, resulting in civilian casualties. The situation has led to thousands of casualties on both sides, with Israel responding to the attacks with a significant bombardment of the Gaza Strip, currently under Hamas control. Israel has also amassed military forces near the besieged Palestinian enclave, hinting at the possibility of a ground invasion.
The conflict has taken a distressing turn, with Hamas reportedly holding around 150 hostages, including at least 14 Thais, two Mexicans, and an undisclosed number of Americans and Germans, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the Gaza front, Israel faces the looming prospect of a multi-front war, following days of back-and-forth shelling with the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed firing missiles at Israel, prompting an Israeli military response targeting one of the group’s military observation posts in southern Lebanon.
Israel also exchanged fire with militants in Syria on Tuesday after the army said munitions were fired towards Golan Heights.
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