Tragedy struck as a man from Kerala lost his life in a missile assault on an orchard in Margaliot, northern Israel, marking the first Indian casualty in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to a statement from the Israel Embassy in India, two others sustained injuries in what was described as a “cowardly” attack orchestrated by Hezbollah.
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Shia Terror organization Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot…
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) March 5, 2024
The victims were tending to the orchard when the missile struck, the embassy statement confirmed. Expressing condolences, the embassy assured that Israeli medical facilities are diligently attending to the injured, irrespective of nationality, and emphasized their commitment to supporting the affected families.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the shared grief experienced by our nations amid civilian losses,” the statement further expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
Reports suggest that the anti-tank missile was launched from Lebanon, where the Shia faction of Hezbollah has been actively supporting Hamas with rocket strikes and drone assaults in northern Israel since the conflict’s onset.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, ongoing for nearly five months following the October 7 attacks on Israeli cities, has resulted in significant casualties, particularly in the Gaza Strip, due to Tel Aviv’s forceful response.
India has expressed deep concern over the conflict and its humanitarian fallout. During a briefing at the UN General Assembly, India’s Permanent Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, condemned the loss of civilian lives, emphasizing India’s unwavering stance against terrorism in all forms.
“India remains committed to supporting a two-state solution, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to live freely in an independent and secure homeland,” Kamboj reaffirmed.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions in the region, with global calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolutions to end the violence.
