‘Remain vigilant’: Indian missions in Israel, Palestine in advisory for Indians

The Indian embassy at Tel Aviv and the Representative Office of India in Palestine on Saturday issued advisories asking Indian nationals in respective international locations to “remain vigilant” and “directly contact the Office” in case of emergency as a full-fledged warfare broke out between the ruling Hamas militant group within the Gaza Strip and Israel killing a minimum of 498 folks from each side.

As they entered southern Israel by land, sea and air, utilizing paragliders, Hamas militants fired greater than 2,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, in response to the Israeli navy. Hamas says it captured a number of Israeli troopers close to the border.

The shock assault has killed 200 folks and injured greater than 1,100 in Israel. In the Gaza Strip aspect, there have been 198 lifeless and about 1,500 wounded in Israel’s counterattack, media studies mentioned.

“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters,” the Embassy mentioned in its advisory.

The advisory gave related telephone numbers in case of emergency and likewise offered URLs for Israeli Home Front Command and Preparedness brochures.

The advisory was issued in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages. According to the small print on the web site of the Indian Embassy right here, there are about 18,000 Indian residents in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond merchants, IT professionals and college students. There are roughly 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel too that had been a part of the primary waves of immigration into Israel from India within the fifties and sixties.

“Today was a very difficult day, we have never seen a situation (like this). Within 20 minutes, 5,000 rockets were fired, and they (Hamas militants) killed 22 people while 500 were injured. This is a very difficult situation for the country,” Soma Ravi, an Indian nationwide working in Israel for 18 years, informed PTI.

Vikas Sharma, an Indian pupil on the Hebrew University right here, mentioned, “There’s a tense situation in Israel because of the attack, but all the Indian students are safe. Most of the students are staying in dorms and accommodations provided by the college. We are in contact with each other as well as the Indian embassy through WhatsApp.”

In Ramallah, the Representative Office of India in Palestine posted a public discover on X late on Saturday night time: “In light of the prevailing security situation, Indian nationals in Palestine can directly contact the Representative Office of India to address any case of emergency or needed assistance on the 24-hours Emergency Helpline.”

It additionally gave two contact numbers.

Meanwhile, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “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.”

Published On:

Oct 8, 2023