Israel Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Lokmarg

Israeli Soldiers, Tanks, Munitions Deployed Near Gaza

By LokMarg 14th October 2023

In a move to retaliate against Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Israeli soldiers, their tanks and munitions have been deployed near the Gaza border as they prepare for a full ground offensive against Hamas.

In the pictures coming in from the Gaza border, tanks can be seen firing shells towards the Gaza Strip. Moreover, soldiers are seen loading artillery shells into howitzers.

Adding to this, Israeli infantry troops have been moving closer to the Gaza border in anticipation of a full ground offensive on Hamas.

Earlier in the day, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) asked residents of the Northern Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern part of the enclave using evacuation corridors between 10 am to 4 pm (local time), The Times of Israel reported.

The Israeli military said, “If you care about yourself and your loved ones, go south as instructed.” It further said, “Rest assured that Hamas leaders have taken care of themselves and are taking cover from strikes in the region.”

Their message indicated that the IDF could be readying to launch a ground invasion in response to Hamas’s attack on October 7.

However, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to “reconsider” its warning, calling it “dangerous and deeply troubling,” according to The New York Times.

Guterres in an opinion article in The New York Times emphasized that such demand for a mass evacuation on extremely short notice could have devastating humanitarian consequences.

The IDF has confirmed that over 120 civilians are being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization. Israeli Defence Forces on Saturday said 1300 people have lost their lives and over 3000 have been injured in the Hamas terror attacks on Israel.

The Israeli Air Force has said that the IDF continues the effort to move the residents of the Gaza Strip in order to protect them in the Gaza Strip. The IDF said a call was sent out to residents of Gaza using a variety of different means in an attempt to minimize the harm to non-combatants. IDF said Hamas terrorists are hiding in terror tunnels located under the houses in Gaza City and in civilian buildings.

The Israel Defence Forces said infantry forces and tanks entered the Gaza Strip on Friday in “localized raids” to clear the area of potential terrorists and locate missing citizens of Israel in a likely precursor to a full-scale incursion in response to Hamas’s attack, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)

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Head Of Hamas’s Air Force Killed In Airstrike: Israeli Defence Forces

By LokMarg 14th October 2023

The Israel Air Forces has said that it has killed the head of Hamas’s Air Force Murad Abu Murad in the airstrike carried out overnight. The strike targeted a headquarters from which Hamas managed its aerial activity in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Air Force said that Murad Abu Murad “was largely responsible for directing terrorists during the massacre on Saturday.”

In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force stated, “Also, during the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force attacked the operational headquarters of the terrorist organization Hamas, from where the organization’s aerial activities were managed. During the attack, Murad Abu Murad, the head of the air formation in Gaza City who took a large part and directed terrorists in the murderous attack on Saturday, was killed.”

In separate strikes carried out overnight, the Israeli Air Forces said that it had struck dozens of sites belonging to Hamas’s commando forces, who led the infiltration into Israel on October 7, The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli Air Forces said that the Israeli Defence Forces and the Israeli Air Forces will continue to operate “as required in order to defend the State of Israel against the Hamas terrorist organization.”

In a post shared on X, the Israeli Air Force stated, “Last night, IAF fighter jets conducted wide-scale strikes throughout the Gaza Strip. These included dozens of Hamas terror targets as well as “Nukhba” terrorist operatives that were in a staging ground in the Gaza Strip.”

The Israeli Air Force in another update on X informed, “A short while ago, IDF soldiers identified a terrorist cell which attempted to infiltrate from Lebanon into Israeli territory. An IAF UAV targeted the terrorist cell and killed a number of the terrorists.”

In the latest update on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli Defence Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus noted on Saturday that people in the Gaza Strip are listening to Israel’s warning and are doing the right thing, noting that there has been a significant movement of Palestinian civilians towards the South.

“We have seen a significant movement of the Palestinian civilians towards the south…we have seen people listening to our warning, understanding that they doing the clever thing, moving out of the dangerous area, and the right thing for their family…,” he said.

On Friday the Israeli military had called for the evacuation of all civilians from Gaza City. The IDF says that it had advertised its intentions as it did not want civilians to be affected by the war. The IDF further said that Israel was fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructure.

“We advertised our intentions in advance not because it has any military logic but because we want civilians not to be affected by the war. We didn’t put those civilians there and they are not our enemy. We are not trying to kill or injure any civilians, we are fighting against Hamas and its military infrastructure…that’s where we targeted around the Gaza strip and in the northern part of the Gaza strip,” he said.

Conricus highlighted that the end state of this war is the complete destruction of Hamas and its infrastructure. “We dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities and fundamentally change the situation so that Hamas never again has the ability to inflict any damage on Israeli civilians or soldiers,” the IDF spokesperson said.

The Israeli defence forces have said that more than 120 civilians have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas. (ANI)

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US To Coordinate With Israel To Secure Release Of Hostages: Austin

By LokMarg 13th October 2023

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that the US will continue to coordinate with Israel to help secure the release of hostages from the clutches of Hamas, including American citizens.

Further stating that there is no justification for terrorism, Austin said, “Now, this is no time for neutrality, for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable.”

“We will continue to coordinate closely with Israel to help secure the release of innocent men, women and children in the clutches of Hamas, including American citizens,” the US Defence Secretary said during a press conference with the Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday.

Reaffirming US support in the first week of their war against the terror Hamas group, Austin said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the Israeli people, for those wounded and killed in this war by Hamas. I am also here in solidarity with all the families still living the waking nightmare of not knowing the fate of their loved ones.”

Austin, the second high-level US official sent by President Joe Biden to visit Israel in two days amid the Israel-Hamas war, Austin said: “In times like these, sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just to show up and to get to work. Now, this is no time for neutrality, for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable. There is never any justification for terrorism, and that’s especially true after this rampage by Hamas anyone who wants lasting peace and security for this region must condemn Hamas…”

On arrival in Tel Aviv, Austin said that US support for Israel was ironclad.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defence, Austin’s visit to Israel underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to support Israel following the recent deadly attacks by Hamas terrorists.

The US Defence Secretary said Israel is a small country, a place where everybody knows everybody. “And in times of trial, the intimacy of your society deepens the intimacy of your grief. But that’s not a weakness,” he said.

Austin’s visit to Israel comes as the Israel-Hamas conflict entered the seventh day, the Israel Defence Forces called for an immediate evacuation of Gaza. In a statement, the IDF said that all civilians of Gaza City must move from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza.

The IDF asked civilians to distance themselves from Hamas terrorists who are using them as human shields. The IDF said they will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians.

Hamas has dismissed Israel’s orders for Palestinians to evacuate the northern half of the Gaza Strip and asked the residents to stay put, the Times of Israel said.

“The US will make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself. Israel has a right to protect its people… Democracies like ours are stronger and more secure when we uphold the laws of war. Terrorists like Hamas deliberately target civilians. But democracies do not. This is a time for resolve, not revenge. For purpose, not panic. Security, not surrender…” the US Defence Secretary said.

He said, “I planned the war with ISIS, this is worse”

Austin on Friday also held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

PM Netanyahu said “I’m very happy to see you today. I’m very appreciative of the strong stance of the President, you, Secretary Blinken, the American people and the American government.

He said: “Hamas is ISIS, and I think what you said and in many ways the President has said, in many ways, Hamas is worse than ISIS.”

“Just as the entire civilized world united to fight ISIS, the united civilized world has to unite to help us fight Hamas. I know that you stand with us and I appreciate it mightily,” Netanyahu added.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said that the death toll from the Hamas terror attacks on Israel has jumped to 1,300 and more than 3000 have been injured.

He also touched on the ongoing efforts to collect the bodies and bring them to Tel Aviv for identification before handing them over to their loved ones. Calling it a “tedious and detailed process”, he noted that Israel has never in history faced such a situation.

“Unfortunately the number of Israeli casualties has risen to 1,300 Israeli civilians and soldiers and more than 3000 wounded. There is a massive national effort involving almost all of the security organisations and many of the ministries of the Israeli state, which is focused on taking the bodies from the same communities that we spoke about yesterday, like for instance … and other communities and the entire southern area, collecting the bodies, bringing them to a centre in Tel Aviv, identifying them and then making sure they are next to their kin. Their loved ones are able to take them and to provide them with a final and respectable burial that’s ongoing,” Lt. Col. Conricus said. (ANI)

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US Def Secy Austin Lands In Tel Aviv

By LokMarg 13th October 2023

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday even as high-ranking US officials continued their reachout efforts in the region.

On arrival in Tel Aviv, Lloyd Austin said that US support for Israel was ironclad.

“Just landed in Tel Aviv. Today, I’ll meet w/ Prime Minister @netanyahu, Minister @YoavGallant & other senior leaders to demonstrate that America’s support for Israel’s security is ironclad & talk to them face-to-face about their defence needs. We stand w/ the people of Israel” he posted on X.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defence Austin’s visit to Israel underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to support Israel following the recent deadly attacks by Hamas terrorists.

Austin is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and members of the Israeli War Cabinet. They will discuss Israel’s operational planning and security needs in response to the series of attacks launched by Hamas on October 7.

The Department of Defence press releases quoted a senior Pentagon official as saying “This is sending quite a clear signal of the depth of US commitment to Israel’s security. What is quite clear is the commitment of this administration and our Cabinet to support the Israeli people as they work to restore security to their people.”

Soon after the Hamas attacks the US increased its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea by deploying aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group. It also increased Air Force fighter presence in the region with the presence of Air Force A-10Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

The US Department of Defence statement quoting a Pentagon official said, “The United States is unequivocal in its support for the defence of Israel and is sending a warning to any entity that would consider taking advantage of this conflict and this war to escalate violence. One word, quite simply, ‘Don’t.'”

In addition to increasing its force presence in the region, the US has also begun to send military assistance to Israel.

According to the US Department of Defence Secretary Austin this week convened the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and attended a meeting of NATO Defence ministers in Brussels. At the meeting Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to assisting Israel.

Earlier US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had also met with the Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and followed that up today with meetings with Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah as America looks to minimise aftereffects of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Meanwhile, as the Israel-Hamas conflict entered the seventh day the Israel Defence Forces called for an immediate evacuation of Gaza. In a statement, the IDF said that all civilians of Gaza City must move from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza.

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Thankful To Govt, Say Indians On First Flight Under Operation Ajay

By LokMarg 13th October 2023

The first charter flight carrying the first batch of Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing war with terrorist group Hamas arrived in New Delhi on Friday morning under Operation Ajay.

Those who were being repatriated from Israel thanked Indian government for bringing them back.

Speaking to ANI one of the passengers who landed at the Indira Gandhi International today said, “This is the first time that we are facing such a situation over there. We are very thankful to the Indian government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing us back. We are hoping for peace as soon as possible so that we can go back to work as earliest as possible…”

Another Indian woman, an agricultural researcher who along with her husband was doing her postdoctorate studies in Israel who was on the flight which took off from Ben Gurion airport in Israel on October 12.

The woman was carrying in her arms her 5-month-old son, who was born in Israel, when she landed in the national capital and there was visible relief on her face.

“We live in southern part like the city with Russia. It’s safe. But we decided because of him (her son) we decided to come back to India.

She described the day the Hamas attack took place and the ensuing chaos that followed. She said that there was a siren that they heard early October 7 morning when Hamas terrorists broke through the Gaza border and attacked Israel.

“On the first day actually, we were sleeping and at around 6:30, there was a siren. For two years we had been there we had not experienced that much of chaos. And with my son it is hard. But we managed we ran to a shelter and was there for I guess two hours, when we heard another siren and But after that we were okay there after coming back,” she told ANI.

The woman was all smiles as she thanked Indian government for bringing them back.

She said, “We are so relaxed now and we thank the Government of India and our Prime Minister and every minister to support us to come back, thanks to everyone.”

Another Indian national on the flight also expressed his gratitude.” I thank the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv. They supported us. We registered on the portal and the process was very easy. The operation is excellent. We are very happy to come back to India…”

Another passenger on the flight said that they had been in touch with the Indian Government since the second day since the start of the conflict. “They were active on WhatsApp groups and in contact with us. They were cooperating with us, providing all the information,” he said.

Another man who returned to India said ‘Operation Ajay’ as “very excellent” and “successful”.

“I thank the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv. They support every time for their citizens in Israel and at this situation they support us very well and once we got to know that they are going to evacuate us, they started a portal. We registered at night 12 o’clock,” he said.

“In the morning, they confirmed that yes today you have flight, you can fly to India. This process was very excellent. The operation was launched quickly and I think this operation is very excellent and successful all we came here and we are very happy to come back to India,” he added.

He said that the Israel government and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is doing “great work” and people there trust them. He stated that the people in Israel are not in panic as they are aware on what to do when they hear the siren.

Aanchal Singh, who arrived on the flight from Israel said, “It was an awkward situation for me as it was for the first time that I heard siren. My husband was used to it and he told me that we have to rush to bunkers.

As many as 212 Indian nationals from Israel arrived at the Delhi airport early this morning on the special charter flight. Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar was present at the airport to welcome them.

With folded hands, Chandrasekhar greeted Indians who arrived in Delhi. He then interacted with students. Reassuring the passengers of the flight from Israel, he said that India’s commitment to the safety of every Indian is unwavering. Prime Minister Modi is determined to protect them.

“Our government will never leave any Indian behind. Our government, our Prime Minister is determined to protect them and bring them back home safely. We are grateful to EAM Dr S Jaishankar, the team at the External Affairs Ministry, the flight crew of this Air India flight for making this possible, for bringing our children back home safely and soundly and back home to their loved ones,” Chandrasekhar said. (ANI)

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Images Of Israeli Hostages Projected At UN HQ In New York

By LokMarg 13th October 2023

Massive images of Israeli hostages, including of babies, elderly men and women were projected at the side of the United Nations headquarters in New York, demanding the release of the hostages in Gaza.

The images of the hostages projected at the UN headquarters, by a group of Israelis living in the US, included 4-year-old Ariel, 85-year-old Yaffa among others. A message projected at the UN headquarters reads, “Abducting Israelis civilians is a crime against humanity,” “Hamas is ISIS,” “Bring them home now.”

The Command Centre in the US for the families of the hostages called for the release of all hostages, whose captivity they noted is against international law.

It demanded for immediate facilitation of humanitarian corridor to provide medicine and essential provisions. In addition, the Command Centre called for the intervention of world leaders, particularly Arab World.

Command Centre activists in New York said, “The world must know. The world needs to wake up. We will not rest until our brothers and sisters, who were violently and murderously kidnapped, will come home to their families.”

Earlier on Thursday, locals held a demonstration in Tel Aviv and urged the Israeli government to exchange hostages/prisoners with terrorist group Hamas. The demonstrators have called on the Israeli government to talk to Hamas and ensure that the women and children who are held captive are released. They used placards and raised slogans to raise the demands.

“The government of Israel should talk to Hamas to ensure that the women, children and civilians who have been taken hostage should be released,” a local protesting in Tel Aviv amid Hamas attack on Israel told ANI.

Another protesting local said that the government should pull out all stops to make sure the kidnapped hostages are released.

On Monday, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations said that Hamas terrorists were holding as many as 150 people hostage in regions across Gaza after their raids on southern Israel on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, on Friday said that the death toll from the Hamas terror attacks on Israel has jumped to 1,300 and more than 3000 have been injured.

“It is a tedious and long and detailed process, taking lots of resources. We have never, ever in our history been forced to deal with such a situation and it is ongoing. It will take days and as we match and identify more and more of the Israeli bodies that are uncovered in the communities, we will have more information about missing persons,” he added. (ANI)

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If You Try To Give Context To Hamas Attack, You Justify Terror: Israel Envoy Gilon

By LokMarg 12th October 2023

Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon strongly criticized those who attempt to provide ‘context’ or ‘justification’ for the deadly Hamas attack, stating that there can be no context for the killing of 1,200 people, and those who indulge in doing so are effectively “supporting terrorists.”

He argued that terrorism is terrorism, and attempting to provide context aims to portray the victims as oppressors.

Expressing his concerns, Gilon said, “I see it very bad for two reasons. First…I saw some people across the world trying to give it context. There is no context to killing 1,200 people. More than 1000 civilians. Decapitating, raping, and whatnot. There is no context to that. Because if you try to do that, but,…you try to justify terror. You are a supporter of terror if you do that”.

He also pointed out that the approaches of Israel and India are similar with regard to terrorism.

“Our approach, also of India and all peace-seeking countries is that terror is terror. It can’t be justified, don’t put the context, don’t blame me…you turn the victim into the one who committed the crime,” he added.

Gilon also raised concerns that Hamas might try to present themselves as ‘victims’ and use civilians as ‘human shields’.

“Now, what will happen next is Hamas crying we are the victims, and you will see human shields, and probably…people abducted from Israel as human shields also. This is going to be very complicated,” Gilon said.

On being asked about no condemnation of the Hamas attack from the Palestinian Authority or envoys, the Israeli envoy further called it “unbelievable” and recalled the events from 2005.

“I remind everyone that the Palestinian Authority in 2005. When Israel did unilateral disengagement and left Gaza totally, took out 10,000 settlers. The control was under the Palestinian Authority. The Hamas with a very small force, came and kicked them out. They don’t assume responsibility for anything,” Gilon said.

He added, “Hamas is also threatening them…but here outside they are representing Hamas, which is unbelievable for me. How can any human being justify the killing of babies, burning them alive, rape of women, decapitation…I don’t have words”.

The fate of an estimated 150 people abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip during the attack by Hamas is still unclear, the report said.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military has so far notified families of 97 hostages who were being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)

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First Flight To Bring Back 230 People From Israel By Friday: MEA

By LokMarg 12th October 2023

A charter flight is expected to reach Israel’s capital city Tel Aviv by this evening and return to India with around 230 passengers on board by Friday morning, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said today.

“As announced by EAM yesterday, Operation Ajay has been launched to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to come back. The first charter flight will be reaching Tel Aviv later tonight to pick up the Indian citizens and is likely to return to India tomorrow morning,” the external affairs ministry spokesperson said while addressing a media briefing here today.

“We are keeping a close watch on the situation in Israel,” Bagchi said.

The MEA spokesperson also said that there were no Indian casualties so far.

“We haven’t heard of any casualty so far,” he said.

“Around 18,000 Indians are in Israel. There is conflict going on and it is a matter of concern. Indians advised to follow advisories issued by our mission,” Bagchi said.

“Operation Ajay” was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel who wanted amidst the war between Hamas and Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday.

The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance.

“A charter flight will reach Tel Aviv today later in the evening. It is expected to get 230 passengers onboard. We have all options, but the role of IAF (in evacuation) can’t be ruled out: the MEA spokesperson said on ‘Operation Ajay.’

Yesterday, the MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance.

Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired a meeting to review preparations for “Operation Ajay”.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Forces said that Hamas brought ISIS flags to Israel when they had infiltrated various parts of South Israel last weekend.

In a post shared on X, Israeli Defence Forces stated, “Hamas brought ISIS flags to massacre Israeli children, women and men. Hamas is a genocidal terrorist organization. Hamas is worse than ISIS.”

The death toll in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7 has jumped to 1,300 and some 3300 have been injured, including 28 in critical condition and 350 in serious condition, The Times of Israel reported citing Hebrew media reports. The fate of an estimated 150 people abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip during the attack by Hamas is still unclear, the report said.

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India Always Advocated For An Independent Palestine Living At Peace With Israel: MEA

By LokMarg 12th October 2023

India on Thursday said it sees the attack by Hamas on Israel as “a terrorist attack” and that it has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine that lives side by side at peace with Israel.

Replying to questions during the weekly media briefing regarding the situation concerning the Israel-Hamas war, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law and the need to fight terrorism.

“Designation of terrorist organisation under Indian law is a legal matter. I would refer you to relevant authorities. I think we have been very clear that we see this as a terrorist attack. On designation part (concerned) authorities are best placed to respond to it,” Bagchi said answering queries about Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The spokesperson said India’s position concerning the Palestine issue has been “longstanding and consistent”.

“India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders side by side at peace with Israel. That position remains the same,” he said.

Responding to queries about the situation, Bagchi noted that there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law.

“There is also global responsibility to fight the menace of terrorism in all its manifestations,” he said.

The death toll in Israel since the Hamas attack has jumped to 1,300 and some 3300 have been injured, including 28 in critical condition and 350 in serious condition, The Times of Israel reported.

The fate of an estimated 150 people abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip during the attack by Hamas is still unclear, the report said.

Over 1300 people have been killed and 5,000 others have been injured in Gaza after Israel launched a strong retaliation over a ‘surprise attack’ by Hamas, CNN reported.

It said some 950 people have been killed and 5,000 others have been injured in the strikes in Gaza.

India on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to bring back its citizens stuck in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

“Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X.

The Embassy of India in Israel informed that it has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight on Thursday.

“The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” the Indian Embassy posted on X. (ANI)

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IAF On Standby To Bring Back Indians From Israel

By LokMarg 12th October 2023

The Indian Air Force has kept its aircraft on standby in case there is a requirement to bring back Indian citizens from Israel amidst the war with Hamas, Indian Air Force officials said on Thursday.

According to the officials, the IAF transport aircraft fleet includes the C-17 and IL-76 heavy-lift transport planes along with the C-130J Super Hercules Special Operations aircraft which have been used in the past for such evacuation operations.

“Operation Ajay” was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel amidst the war between Hamas and Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday.

The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance.

“A charter flight will reach Tel Aviv today later in the evening. It is expected to get 230 passengers onboard. We have all options, but the role of IAF (in evacuation) can’t be ruled out,” the MEA spokesperson said on ‘Operation Ajay.’

Yesterday, the MEA had set up a 24-hour control room in view of the escalating conflict. The control room will help monitor the situation and provide information and assistance.

Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired a meeting to review preparations for “Operation Ajay”.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Forces said that Hamas brought ISIS flags to Israel when they had infiltrated various parts of South Israel last weekend.

The death toll in Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7 has jumped to 1,300 and some 3300 have been injured, including 28 in critical condition and 350 in serious condition, The Times of Israel reported citing Hebrew media reports. The fate of an es-timated 150 people abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip during the attack by Hamas is still unclear, the report said.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military has so far notified families of 97 hostag-es who were being held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI)

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