Indian Embassy Facilitates Return of Nationals Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Indian Embassy Facilitates Return of Nationals Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

VoM News Desk | October 15, 2023 | 12:29 AM IST | Asia, Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

Indian Embassy Facilitates Return of Nationals Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Indian Embassy Facilitates Return of Nationals Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

The third batch of 197 Indian nationals is en route back to India from Israel as part of “Operation Ajay,” which commenced on October 12. This operation was initiated to facilitate the return of Indians wishing to leave Israel amid the attacks by Hamas on Israeli towns from Gaza on October 7.

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv announced the operation, revealing that two special flights would operate from Ben Gurion Airport. The first flight took off around 5:40 pm local time, while the second was scheduled for 11 pm local time and could accommodate 330 passengers. The third batch of 197 Indian nationals departed for India around 5:40 pm local time.

The Indian Embassy in Israel issued guidelines, indicating that travel slots would be allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis in “Operation Ajay.” They also emphasized that in case of a no-show or refusal to travel after confirmation, the individual’s name would be moved to the back of the queue.

Ambassador Sanjeev Singla stated that the embassy had been working tirelessly to facilitate the return of all Indian citizens in Israel who wished to leave. They reached out to students, caregivers, and businesspeople, and some of them even volunteered to assist. He urged all citizens to remain calm during this operation.

Passengers are selected on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, following a registration drive initiated by the Indian embassy to create a database. The Indian government is covering the cost of their return.

Continued Efforts and Evacuations

This marks the ongoing evacuation efforts to bring Indian nationals back to safety amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The first charter flight carried 212 individuals, while the second batch included 235 Indian nationals who were flown back late the next day. Thus far, a total of 644 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Israel. Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals reside and work in Israel, including caregivers, students, IT professionals, and diamond traders.

The voluntary departures were prompted by the attacks launched by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip on Israel on October 7, involving land, air, and sea assaults.

Operation Ajay Evacuates Indian Nationals from Israel

Indian nationals in Israel are returning to India through “Operation Ajay,” as the country facilitates their safe departure amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

VoM News Desk

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