The increasing tension between Israel and Hamas has forced the Indian govt to take action and protect the Indian citizens staying in Israel amidst this wartime. For the same reason, ‘Operation Ajay’ was launched on Wednesday under which a rescue mission will be carried out for Indians.
S Jaishankar overseeing the preparations:
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Operation Ajay’ on 11th October, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has been looking out all the preparations for making the operation a success. Arindam Bagchi, the MEA spokesperson, posted the video of the meeting conducted under the lead of Jaishankar and he promised that India will look after its citizens and provide assistance in bringing them back home.
Operation Ajay:
Under this mission, India plans to rescue all the Indians who are stuck in Israel. According to Kobbi Shoshani, Israel’s Consul General to the Midwest in India, around 18000 people from India are currently staying in Israel. Out of which, there are more than 1000 students.
The registration process has been opened for the citizens so that India can plan things accordingly. The 1st batch of 230 people have been informed about their evacuation schedule. The first flight is set to take off from Tel Aviv on Friday evening and citizens are notified about the same by the Indian embassy in Israel.
Commercial Representative of the Indian Embassy Naveen Ramakrishna and Rajiv Bodwade, Mission’s Deputy Chief, updated about the extended support by the Indian companies operating in Israel via their social handles.
Kobbi Shoshani’s stake:
Israel’s Consul general congratulated India for their successful launch of the mission “Operation Ajay”. He said that Indians have always been loved and respected in their country because they are huge contributors to their economy. He also assured every possible support and assistance from Israel to carry out 1st step of the evacuation mission in Tel Aviv.
Indian Embassy in Israel:
Sanjeev Singla, Indian Ambassador, has asked the citizens to stay calm and vigilant in these tough times since the government is keeping a close eye on the situation and trying its best to protect every Indian. The Indian Embassy has issued an advisory to the citizens and asked them to follow every possible safety provision and stay in safety shelters as stated by local authorities till the time their turn comes.
The embassy has also issued a helpline number for the citizens i.e. +972-543278392 or +972-35226748. They have also given a mail ID i.e. cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
Operation Kaveri:
Earlier this year in April, a similar type of evacuation mission was carried out by India during the Sudan conflict. It was an intense war between Sudan’s army and a paramilitary group. Around 17 Indian Air Force flights and 5 sorties of Navy ships were used under Operation Kavery to rescue 3,862 Indian citizens. The Indian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan played a great role in rescuing people.
Israel-Hamas War:
After Hamas initiated a deadly attack on Israel taking the latter country by surprise, it captured around 150 hostages. Even after continuous bombarding, airstrikes, and army wars between the two countries, no result has come so far. The USA has come forward to give full support to Israel. Recent updates state that Israel has cut off all the water supplies, fuel, and electricity from the Gaza Strip and will continue to do so until all the hostages are released.
Casualties:
- 1200 people died and 2800 were injured in Israel.
- The death toll in Gaza is over 1000 with around 5000 people injured.
- 5000 rockets fired from Gaza to Israel by Hamas on Saturday.
- More than 1.5 lakh people are displaced from the Gaza Strip.
- 1500 Hamas militants’ dead bodies were found after the bombarding done by Israel on the Palestinian enclave.
