13th October 2023, Mumbai: In a significant effort to bring back Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the ongoing conflict, the first charter flight under ‘ Ajay’ arrived in New Delhi on Friday morning. The flight, carrying 212 Indian passengers, including an infant, departed from Ben Gurion airport in Israel on Thursday night. The operation, launched by the Indian government, aims to repatriate citizens on a priority basis. This article highlights the key details of the operation and the challenges faced by Indian nationals in Israel.
Several other Flights Suspended and Operation Ajay Began
Under the guidance of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, ‘Operation Ajay’ was initiated to facilitate the safe return of stranded Indian citizens from Israel. The decision to launch the operation came after Air India and other commercial airlines suspended their operations to and from Israel due to the escalating conflict with Hamas.
The rehabilitation effort includes special charter flights and, if necessary, deployment of Indian Navy ships. As the situation remains tense, the Indian government has prioritized the well-being and safety of its citizens abroad.
First Charter Flight Arrival and Receiving Team:
The flight carrying stranded Indian citizens landed in New Delhi on Friday morning. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar was present at the airport to welcome and receive the Indian nationals. The arrival of the flight marked a crucial step in the repatriation process.
Every Indian Citizen Should be bought back safely to their Home:
The return to home process for stuck in a war Indians in Israel was conducted on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, ensuring that all the helpless individuals to be bought back safely in their home country. The efforts considered the challenging circumstances faced by the citizens and aimed to bring them back to their homeland as soon as possible.
Difficulties Faced by 18000 Indians:
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a toll on the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. With over 18,000 Indians residing in Israel, including students, professionals, and traders, it became imperative for the Indian government to ensure the security and return of its citizens.
The Ministry of External Affairs set up a 24-hour control room in the national capital to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine. The control room provided essential support and facilitated communication with stranded Indians. Additionally, an emergency helpline was made available for immediate assistance and information updates.
The Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict:
The war between Israel and Hamas entered its seventh day, with the situation remaining highly volatile and the intensity escalating with each passing day. So far, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 2,800 people and displaced around 423,000 individuals from their homes.
The Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the conflict, cited a long-standing dispute over the Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered by both Muslims and Jews. In response, Israel has launched constant airstrikes. Although Israel has prepared for a possible ground operation in Gaza, a final decision on such a move has yet to be made by political leadership.
By Harsh Rathod