File image of Indian passengers who came back to India from Tel Aviv under ‘Operation Ajay’.
| Photo Credit: ANI

A special flight carrying 143 persons, including two Nepalese citizens and four infants, wanting to leave Israel amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, left for India on Sunday as part of ‘Operation Ajay’.

It was the sixth flight as part of Operation Ajay launched on October 12 to facilitate the return of those Indian nationals who wish to return home following the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7.

Eighteen Nepalese nationals were earlier accommodated on the special flight last Tuesday.

The voluntary departure of Indian nationals was necessitated after armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by land, air, and sea on October 7.

So far, five chartered flights from Tel Aviv arrived in Delhi with nearly 1,200 passengers, including children.

Since the start of hostilities, nearly 4,400 Palestinians have been killed.

According to official Israeli sources, at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel.

Indian nationals queue up to board the second special flight for India under Operation Ajay, at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Under Operation Ajay India is bringing back its citizens stranded in Israel amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The second batch of 235 Indian nationals, including two infants, wishing to leave Israel were safely evacuated on Friday, a day after 212 Indians were flown out amid the country’s raging conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

India launched ‘Operation Ajay’ on Thursday to facilitate the return of those who wish to return home following the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, triggering fresh tension in the volatile region.

The second batch of 235 Indian nationals, including two infants, were safely evacuated on Friday, informed sources told PTI.

The flight took off at 11.02 pm local time.

The evacuation of Indian nationals will continue tomorrow as well, they said.

“The Embassy has emailed the next lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight today. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” the Indian Embassy posted the announcement on X.

A researcher at Bar-Ilan University, Safed has thanked the Indian government for ‘Operation Ajay’.

“I really want to thank the Government of India for evacuating us from the war situation in Israel… Our government has evacuated us from such a situation under ‘Operation Ajay’,” Suryakant Tiwari, PhD student at Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed told PTI.

The first charter flight to facilitate the return of Indian citizens from Israel left late Thursday evening from the Ben Gurion airport carrying 211 adults and an infant living in the war-battered region and reached the Indian capital on Friday morning.

The passengers were chosen on a “first come first serve” basis after a drive launched by the Indian embassy for all Indians to register at the mission’s database. The government is bearing the cost of their return.

There are about 18,000 Indian nationals living and working in Israel including caregivers, students, several IT professionals, and diamond traders.

The evacuation of Indian nationals was necessitated after armed Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip blasted through the Israeli security fence and streamed into Israel by land, air and sea on Saturday, in what is now described as an unprecedented attack.

Since then, the attack has killed more than 1,300 people in Israel while the Israeli counter-airstrikes have killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza. Israel has claimed roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel.

New Delhi:

Traumatised by what they had experienced in the last few days, the first batch of over 200 Indians were glad to be home from Israel on Friday with the sound of air raid sirens, rocket fire and screams still ringing loud in their ears.

Israel witnessed an unprecedented attack by Hamas in its southern parts on Saturday morning. The war has till now claimed over 2,800 lives on both sides.

“We woke up to sounds of air raid sirens. We stay in central Israel and I don’t know what shape this conflict will take,” said Shashwat Singh soon after landing at Delhi airport along with his wife.

The post-doctoral researcher in agriculture, who has been staying in Israel since 2019, said the sound of those sirens and the nightmarish experience of the past few days still haunt him.

The step to bring back Indians is a “praiseworthy step”, Singh said soon after the flight landed. “We hope peace will be restored and we will return to work… The Indian government got in touch with us via email. We are thankful to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian Embassy in Israel.” Another flight carrying 200 Indian passengers from Tel Aviv are expected to arrive here on Saturday, sources said.

India launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back home as a series of brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend triggered fresh tension in the region.

Many students who returned home recalled the fateful night of Saturday and how they had to rush to shelters multiple times in the wake of rocket attacks by Hamas.

Suparno Ghosh, a West Bengal native and a first-year PhD student of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev at Beersheba in Israel, was also among the group of Indians who reached Delhi on the special flight.

“We could not know what happened. On Saturday, some rockets were launched. But, we were safe in shelters… the good thing is that the Israeli government has made shelters everywhere, so we were safe,” he said.

Several women students also recounted the grim situation they faced when the attacks happened. “It was a panic situation. We are not citizens there, we are just students. So, for us whenever the sirens go on, it’s a panic situation for us,” Jaipur native Mini Sharma told PTI.

Asked when she received the information about the rescue flight, she replied, “Just a day before.” “We packed our bags yesterday morning after receiving a message from the Indian Embassy. They were very helpful. We were able to get in touch with them round the clock,” Sharma said.

Deepak, another student, said, “We heard sirens on Saturday. We could also hear the sound of the attack. Israeli authorities were instructing us (to take safety measures). I am happy to return home but at the same time sad that our friends are there (in Israel).” The whole process to being us back was very smooth, the student told reporters.

Duti Banerjee, another West Bengal native who was also among the first batch of Indians evacuated from Israel, said the situation in Israel was “pretty messy and unsettled”.

“Normal life has been paused. People are scared and angry. Even when I was leaving, I heard sirens and had to go to a shelter,” she said.  Soni, another student, thanked the governments of India and Israel for “taking such good care of us”.

“I booked two flights as I was not sure when would the Indian government evacuate us. But, I am glad to be back… many Indians still in Israel,” she said.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said around 18,000 Indians are currently residing in Israel while about a dozen people are in the West Bank and three to four are in Gaza.

Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar welcomed the passengers at the Delhi airport as they streamed into the lounge area from the tarmac side. He greeted them with folded hands and also shook hands with many of them saying, “Welcome home”.

“I was pleased and honoured today to welcome 212 students who came back from Israel who collectively were very grateful for the smooth and efficient and highly responsive way the government of India came to their rescue.” “For me, it is a matter of pride that I got an opportunity to welcome, on behalf of our Prime Minister and the government, our students who have returned from Israel and to thank the aircrew. They were all unanimously thanking Prime Minister Modi,” the minister said.

Operation Ajay is consistent with the prime minister’s motto of not leaving an Indian behind who finds himself or herself in harm’s way. The Government of India will work very hard to make sure that every Indian who needs to come back, return to their families safely, Chandrasekhar added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

India will ensure the safety and safe return of every Indian stuck in Israel as it has a “strong and sensitive” government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling BJP said on Friday.

At a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia hailed the government for bringing back the first batch of more than 200 Indians safely from Israel, calling it an “unprecedented rescue mission”.

“When such a horrifying scene is unfolding there, a sensitive and strong government is taking strong steps. Under Operation Ajay, as many as 212 Indians have been brought back safely in a special flight. It was a moment of pride for the entire Bharat,” he said.

The first batch of Indians, including students, returned to the country from Israel on board a chartered flight in the early hours of Friday.

India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back home as a series of attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend triggered fresh tension in the volatile region.

Mr Bhatia said the successful operation “shows how even in times of difficulties, if any government has the capacity and patience to work for the people 24×7 it is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.” The safe return of the first batch of Indians from Israel has been possible because “there is a strong government at the Centre to which public interest is paramount, and behind it is the strength of 140 core Indian brothers and sisters,” the BJP spokesperson said.

“Every citizen should know that the government is fulfilling its responsibility of bringing back Indians stuck in Israel safely. There is no shortage of resources,” Mr Bhatia said.

“I appeal to Indians there to stay calm and remain safe. And, we will ensure each one of you return to Bharat safely. This is our commitment to you. In tough times we will send out a strong message that times may be tough but Bharat-India is tougher,” he said.

“We will ensure the safety of every citizen who is stuck in the war-torn region. It is our duty and we are committed to it. Speedy and effective action is being taken,” he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is playing a “significant role” in the implementation of Operation Ajay, he added.

The BJP spokesperson said that those who were brought safely from Israel under Operation Ajay have a common feeling that india has today emerged as a power which stands by its people “in good times and bad times” both.

“Earlier, we use to see developed countries like America and the UK launching operations to bring back their citizens from war-like situations. They also used to help citizens of other countries,” Mr Bhatia said.

“A big change that has happened today is that India has a strong government under the leadership of a prime minister who has strong will. India today not only protects its own citizens but also helps citizens of other countries during crisis situations,” he added.

The BJP spokesperson said as many as 67,000 Indians were brought safely from Yemen under Operation Rahat in 2015. About 158 Indians and two Nepalese were brought back safely from Sudan under Operation Sankat Mochan. More than 800 Indians were brought back safely from Afghanistan in 2021.

As many as 22,500 Indians were brought back safely from Ukraine under Operation Ganga last year and a total of 4,097 people — 3,961 Indians and 136 citizens of other countries — were evacuated from Sudan earlier this year, he added.

“Whenever there is an unprecedented crisis or war or otherwise, all nations look to Bharat not just for a stand, but also for a solution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the tallest leader in the world and nobody can dispute that,” Mr Bhatia said.

Replying to questions on the opposition extending support to the people of Palestine, the BJP leader said when the prime minister of the country puts forth India’s stand, it should be the “voice of every Indian.” “Bharat is a country which has always stood with humanity and in future also it will always stand by innocent people facing terror strikes,” he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

All Indians wishing to leave Israel – amid the war with the Hamas – will be brought back, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar told NDTV this morning, after a chartered flight carrying over 200 students landed in Delhi. The government is committed to helping them, Mr Chandrasekhar said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the country and the government will always stand with those Indians, anywhere in the world, who are in trouble,” the Union Minister stressed.

At 7 AM the first flight under “Operation Ajay” landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where they were received by Mr Chandrasekhar. This flight was arranged to facilitate the return of those unable to do so because Air India had suspended its flight on October 7, when the war began

READ | NDTV Ground Report: Israeli Armoured Vehicles Head Towards Gaza Border

Air India commercial operation have been suspended since.

“We are thankful… most students were panicked. (But then) we saw notifications through the Embassy of India, which boosted our morale… was a relief,” Shubham Kumar, a student, told PTI.

There is still a long queue of Indians, including students, at the Tel Aviv airport waiting to board special flights being operated under ‘Operation Ajay’, PTI has said. On that note, Mr Chandrasekhar told NDTV, “This operation will continue till every Indian citizen who wants to come home is brought home.”

There are over 18,000 Indians are in Israel and around 6,000 wish to return home.

READ |“Sirens Still Ringing In Ears”: Indians Back From Israel Recall War Horror

Israel has vowed an unprecedented offensive against Hamas after its gunmen stormed into its southern regions and slaughtered over 1,000 people, including civilians, and took hundreds hostage.

Tel Aviv has launched devastating aerial strikes as its first response and is widely expected to initiate ground attacks this week; over three lakh soldiers have been called up or moved to the Gaza border.

The death toll in Gaza is nearing 1,500, reports by its health ministry and the United Nations have said, with over 6,000 injured. 2.3 million people in Gaza face a humanitarian disaster after Israel ordered a “complete siege”, and are now without electricity and are running low on food, medicines and water.

READ | Israel Asks Gaza City Civilians To Evacuate, UN Calls Order “Impossible”

Israel has demanded that over a million Gazan civilians relocate in less than 24 hours or face mass casualties as its forces prep to invade Gaza City. The UN has urged Israel to reconsider this move.

Tel Aviv: Indian nationals wait to board Air India flight to return India, at Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The Air India flight is bringing back stranded Indian nationals from Israel under operation Ajay.
| Photo Credit: PTI

An Air India flight carrying around 200 people from Tel Aviv is expected to arrive in the national capital early morning on Friday, according to sources.

The flight, AI 1140, which has been chartered under Operation Ajay, left for Israel on Thursday, they said.

India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of those Indians who wish to come back home as a series of brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend has triggered fresh tensions in the region.

The sources said the Air India flight with around 200 people is expected to land at the Delhi airport around 5 am on Friday.

One of the sources said that Air India might be operating more chartered flights to bring back people from Israel, depending on the requirement.

Earlier in the day, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “The first charter flight will reach Tel Aviv later tonight to pick up Indian citizens and is likely to return to India tomorrow morning.” He said around 18,000 Indians are currently residing in Israel while about a dozen odd people are in the West Bank and three to four in Gaza.

Mumbai:

More than 20,000 Indians live in Israel but he was not aware of any Indian national getting injured or killed in the ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas members, Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani has said. Airline operations from India to Israel have been stopped and the Ministry of External Affairs is working to bring back the Indians stranded in his country, he told PTI on Tuesday.

“We do not know about any death or injury to civilians of India who are staying in Israel. If we come to know about any case I will be personally involved. More than 20,000 Indians stay in Israel. I don’t know the exact number of Indians stuck in Israel,” Shoshani said.

Many Bollywood actors were at an event in Israel when Hamas launched its incursions on Saturday, he said. Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha recently came back to India safely from Israel, he added.

The multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza and the Israeli retaliation have left over 1,200 people dead so far. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Mumbai:

More than 20,000 Indians live in Israel but he was not aware of any Indian national getting injured or killed in the ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas members, Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai Kobbi Shoshani has said. Airline operations from India to Israel have been stopped and the Ministry of External Affairs is working to bring back the Indians stranded in his country, he told PTI on Tuesday.

“We do not know about any death or injury to civilians of India who are staying in Israel. If we come to know about any case I will be personally involved. More than 20,000 Indians stay in Israel. I don’t know the exact number of Indians stuck in Israel,” Shoshani said.

Many Bollywood actors were at an event in Israel when Hamas launched its incursions on Saturday, he said. Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha recently came back to India safely from Israel, he added.

The multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza and the Israeli retaliation have left over 1,200 people dead so far. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on October 8 said that Indians stranded in war-hit Israel are safe and they can contact the Indian Embassy for any help they require at any time.

Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Mr. Muraleedharan said the Indian Embassy has already issued an advisory to Indians in Israel to stay safe and the embassy is ready to extend any help to stranded Indians, adding that the embassy has clear data on the number of Indians stranded in Israel.

Terming the attack on Israel “a terror plot” by Hamas, the Union Minister expressed solidarity with the people of Israel.

Stating that India is with Israel, Mr. Muraleedharan said the Prime Minister had also made this clear while expressing shock over the ‘terror attack’ on Israel.

The Minister added that the Central government is ready to face any emergency situation.

(Helpline number: +97235226748, email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in)

New Delhi:

Israel is battling the worst escalation in its conflict with Palestinian group Hamas which has claimed nearly 1,000 lives and women thousands more on each side. Hamas launched its massive surprise attack on Israel with a barrage of rockets and a large-scale ground assault on Saturday. Thousands of Israeli forces were deployed to battle Hamas fighters in the south and the air force again pounded targets in the Gaza Strip

As gun battles are raging in towns and on highways, nearly 18,000 citizens are stuck in Israel. The majority of them are caregivers, IT professionals and students.

There are many agencies in Israel which hire caregivers from India for the elderly population there. There are about 85,000 Jews of Indian-origin in Israel.

NDTV also spoke to two Indian students who are currently in the Israeli city of Bersheva. They said the situation currently is “very unpredictable”.

“We are one hour away from the Gaza Strip. Right now, there are no attacks here but we have been hearing about other students in the southern part of Israel which is under attack,” Shweta, an Indian student in the city of Bersheva, told NDTV.

“The situation is very unpredictable. But the city is safer than the other parts of Israel as of now,” said another student.

Immigration of Indians to Israel started between 1950s-60s. In recent years, Jews from Mizoram, Manipur have migrated to Israel.

The Indian embassy at Jerusalem and the Representative Office of India in Palestine on Saturday issued advisories asking Indian nationals in respective countries to “remain vigilant” and “directly contact the Office” in case of emergency as a full-fledged war broke out between the ruling Hamas  group in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Gunmen from the Hamas rampaged through Israeli towns on Saturday, killing and escaping with dozens of hostages in by far the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.

Bodies of Israeli civilians were strewn across the streets of Sderot in southern Israel, near Gaza, surrounded by broken glass, reported news agency Reuters.

The escalation comes against a backdrop of surging violence between Israel and Palestinian terrorists in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where a Palestinian authority exercises limited self-rule, opposed by Hamas that wants Israel destroyed.