Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
India initiated 'Operation Ajay' on Wednesday to facilitate the safe return of its citizens from Israel, after the Jewish state declared war on Hamas following a terrorist attack on its soil
The announcement follows Air India's suspension of its Delhi-Tel Aviv route. In response to the terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel initiated a large-scale military operation against the Gaza Strip. This swift escalation has also involved Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, resulting in rocket attacks on Israel's northern region and subsequent Israeli counterattacks. The heightened tensions have rendered the skies over Israel precarious, leading to the cancellation of numerous international flights
The External Affairs Ministry reports that approximately 18,000 Indians currently reside in Israel. There are also over 900 Indian students who are studying across the Israeli universities
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, took to social media to officially announce the launch of #OperationAjay, emphasising India's commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad
To ensure the safe return of Indian citizens, special charter flights and other logistical arrangements are being organised by the Indian government
The first batch of Indian nationals is expected to leave from Israel in a special flight scheduled for Thursday
The Indian embassy in Israel has already reached out to the initial group of registered Indian citizens, informing them about the special flight on Thursday. Additional messages for subsequent flights will follow
In Delhi, a 24/7 control room has been established to monitor the situation in the conflict-affected areas and provide information and assistance to Indian citizens. Various emergency helplines are also set up in Tel Aviv and Ramallah
The control room in Delhi can be reached at toll-free number 1800118797, along with other contact numbers: 91-11 23012113, 91-11-23014104, 91-11-23017905, and 919968291988. Additionally, you can reach out via email at situationroom@mea.gov.in
The region has witnessed a series of multi-pronged attacks by Hamas militants from Gaza, with Israeli authorities reporting around 1,200 casualties, including 155 soldiers, on their side, while the Palestinian side estimates a death toll of 950 in Gaza. Israel has also said that they have killed over 1,500 Hamas militants in the war so far