“There Are Around 18,000 To 20,000 Indian Nationals In Israel”: Centre

Junior minister in the Ministry of External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, informed the Parliament that it is estimated that there are around 18,000 to 20,000 Indian nationals in Israel, including students. He also stated that there are 11 Indian nationals in Palestine.

Mr. Muraleedharan informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply to Dr. TR Paarivendhar that one Indian national was injured in the Israel–Hamas conflict and is currently recuperating.

“So far, 1309 Indian nationals have returned to India in six special flights operated under Operation Ajay from Israel, and we have also facilitated the return of one Indian national from Palestine,” he added.

He also informed that the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv and the Representative Office of Ramallah are in regular communication with relevant departments and ministries in Israel and Palestine, respectively, and with the Indian community to ensure the safety and security of all Indian nationals living there.

The latest escalation in West Asia started when Hamas conducted a surprise attack in Israel’s territory resulting in the killing of 1,200 and a hostage situation. The retaliatory attack by Israel has caused more than 17,000 deaths in the blockaded Gaza Strip.