Following the attack by Hamas on Israel last Saturday, Air India has made the decision to cancel its flights to and from Tel Aviv. The militant group's actions prompted Israel to declare a "state of war" in response.
An Air India spokesperson provided details, stating, "AI139, the flight originating from Delhi bound for Tel Aviv on October 7, 2023, and the return journey, AI140 from Tel Aviv to Delhi, have been cancelled. This decision has been made to prioritize the well-being and safety of both our passengers and crew. Passengers will receive the necessary assistance tailored to their needs."
The commercial airline announced these cancellations following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, which involved the militant group launching a barrage of rockets from Gaza and sending fighters across the border. These clashes between groups of Palestinian fighters and Israeli security forces resulted in the loss of over 100 lives among the Israeli population, with an additional 740 individuals sustaining injuries during the early morning assaults.
In light of the declaration of a "state of war" in Israel following the attacks by Hamas militants from Gaza, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory for Indian citizens. This advisory urged Indians in Israel to exercise vigilance and adhere to safety guidelines.
The embassy's statement read, "Considering the current circumstances in Israel, all Indian nationals residing in Israel are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety recommendations provided by local authorities. It is advisable to exercise caution, limit unnecessary movements, and remain in proximity to safety shelters."
The attack launched by Hamas on Israel on Saturday morning is considered one of the most significant assaults on Israel in recent years. It involved the firing of approximately 5,000 rockets from Gaza. In response to these military operations in southern Israel and retaliatory actions taken by the Israeli Defence Forces, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at war, and we will win." This statement was made in a video address on Saturday.
The Israeli military subsequently initiated 'Operation Iron Swords' against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. According to Gaza health officials, the Israeli Defence Force's counterstrike resulted in the loss of 198 Palestinian lives and left 1,610 individuals wounded.
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