In response to the recent audacious attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, escalating tensions in the region, India initiated 'Operation Ajay' on Thursday to facilitate the return of individuals desiring to go back to their home country.
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has already successfully evacuated 212 Indian nationals from Israel and continues to arrange additional flights, including one scheduled for Friday evening, amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
This initiative, 'Operation Ajay,' was launched by India on Thursday to facilitate the repatriation of those who wish to return home in light of the audacious attacks carried out by Hamas militants from Gaza on Israeli towns, which transpired on October 7, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
The Indian Embassy promptly communicated with the next group of registered Indian citizens to facilitate their return via a special flight scheduled for today. Subsequent notifications will be dispatched to other registered individuals for upcoming flights, as indicated by the Indian Embassy's announcement posted on X.
The inaugural charter flight designed to aid Indian citizens in returning from Israel took off late Thursday evening from Ben Gurion airport. It accommodated 211 adults and an infant, all residing in the conflict-stricken area, and safely arrived in the Indian capital on Friday morning.
Passenger selection for this flight was based on a "first come, first served" approach, following a campaign initiated by the Indian embassy encouraging all Indian nationals to register in the mission's database. The government is covering the expenses associated with their repatriation.
Israel is home to approximately 18,000 Indian nationals who have migrated for various reasons, including employment as caregivers, students pursuing education, several IT professionals, and individuals engaged in the diamond trade.
The evacuation of Indian nationals became imperative after Hamas militants, armed and based in the Gaza Strip, breached the Israeli security fence and infiltrated Israel via land, air, and sea on Saturday, marking an unprecedented attack.
Since the occurrence of this attack, the toll has risen to more than 1,300 people in Israel, due to a series of counter-airstrikes, while in Gaza, the number has exceeded 1,530 fatalities caused by Israeli actions. Israel has asserted that around 1,500 Hamas militants lost their lives within Israel's borders.
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