Jerusalem: In the aftermath of a surprise attack by Hamas militants, Israeli security forces have escalated their bombardments on the Gaza Strip and various Palestinian cities. The conflict has taken a toll, with casualties reported on both sides, leaving Indians residing in Israel fearful for their safety.
As the violence unfolded, approximately 18,000 Indian citizens found themselves caught in the crossfire. Among them, the majority work as caretakers for Israeli elders, while others include diamond traders, IT professionals, and students. While there have been no reported Indian casualties thus far, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has been inundated with requests for assistance from the stranded diaspora and tourists. In past instances, the Indian government has stepped in to aid its citizens in similar situations.
इजराइली बमबारी से धराशाई होती इमारतें, कई लोगों के मरने की आशंका#IsraelPalestineWar #IsraelAtWar #Hammas #IsraelHamasWar #War #WorldNews #GazaUnderAttack #philistine pic.twitter.com/8PzoS9gJyu
— News Track (@newstracklive) October 9, 2023
Reacting swiftly to the incursion of Hamas militants into Israel via air, land, and sea, the Indian mission in Tel Aviv issued an advisory, urging its nationals to remain vigilant and to contact the office directly in case of emergencies. The embassy has been providing round-the-clock assistance and guidance to Indians facing uncertainty.
Expressing concern and solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed, "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour." He made this statement on social media, condemning the Hamas attack.
Indians residing in Gaza have described the situation as alarming, citing the lack of internet connectivity and electricity. However, they have assured their safety for now.
The conflict erupted when hundreds of Hamas militants entered Israel, declaring a "war" against Israelis. Simultaneously, thousands of rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. The situation has led to the kidnapping of hundreds of Israelis and foreign nationals by Hamas militants. In response to the escalating violence, several Western countries have condemned the attack on Israel and urged both parties to exercise restraint.
हमास के आतंकी हमले के खिलाफ इजराइल की जवाबी कार्रवाई !#IsraelPalestineWar #IsraelAtWar #Hammas #IsraelHamasWar #War #WorldNews #GazaUnderAttack #philistine pic.twitter.com/lgw0Er051b
— News Track (@newstracklive) October 9, 2023
Adding to the complex backdrop, a report from the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv, published in February 2023, notes that nearly 85,000 Jews of Indian origin reside in Israel. The immigration of Indian Jews primarily occurred between the 1950s and 1960s, with the majority hailing from Maharashtra (Bene Israelis), Kerala (Cochini Jews), and Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews). In recent years, some Indian Jews from Mizoram and Manipur (Bnei Menache) have also immigrated to Israel. As the conflict unfolds, the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in the region remain a paramount concern for Indian authorities.
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