India on Tuesday [March 5, 2024] issued an advisory to its nationals living in border areas of Israel to relocate to safer areas within the country as its war on Hamas rages.
“In view of the prevailing security situation and local safety advisories, all Indian nationals in Israel, especially those working in or visiting border areas in the north and south, are advised to relocate to safe areas within Israel. The Embassy remains in touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the Indian embassy in Israel said in an official statement.
The advisory comes after a man from the state of Kerala was killed and two others were injured after they were struck by a missile fired by Hezbollah operating from Lebanon. The incident took place near Israel’s northern border community of Margaliot. The deceased was identified as Nibin Maxwell from Kollam district in Kerala. He had arrived in Israel two months ago and was working at a farm there. Following the incident Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon spoke to the deceased’s family and reassured all possible support. The Israeli embassy in India also issued a statement saying “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 yesterday early afternoon. Our prayers and thoughts naturally go to the families of the bereaved and those of the injured.”
The Indian embassy in Israel has also issued an emergency helpline number (+972-35226748) and an email address (cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in) for assisting its nationals in security-related issues.
As per reports, Hezbollah on Monday had fired a barrage of rockets at northern Israel which knocked out power in several towns. Some of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system.
