Israel: Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Israeli Defense Force has intensified its defence, with continuous airstrikes in Gaza as a “total siege” is imposed. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared the commencement of Operation Ajay, aimed at repatriating Indian citizens stranded in conflict-ridden Israel.
In the meantime, later today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel for meetings with high-ranking officials. As a potential decision to a ground defense in Gaza, Israel has imposed a military lockdown in the region. Additionally, the Israeli military has deployed extra troops and military assets along the Gaza border, with approximately 300,000 reservists positioned near the border, according to official reports.
India starts Operation Ajay
Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai, Kobbi Shoshani, noted that more than 20,000 Indians reside in the country, which is currently engaged in a conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas. Shoshani further mentioned that he does not have precise information regarding the number of Indians currently stuck in Israel. Resultantly, Indian govt has begun Operation Vijay to evacuate the citizens.
State governments had written to S Jaishankar
On Tuesday, Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, penned a letter to Jaishankar, expressing concern about the approximately 7,000 individuals from his state who are currently in Israel. He requested the Foreign Minister’s intervention to ensure their safety.
Similarly, the Tamil Nadu government issued a statement indicating that they had received information about 84 individuals from the state who are stranded in Israel. These individuals had traveled to Israel for various purposes, including furthering their studies, conducting business, or enjoying tourism.
Concurrently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) established a 24/7 control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to closely monitor the situation and provide information and assistance to any Indians who may require support.
Israel has formed an emergency unity government, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top opposition leader Benny Gantz striking a deal on Wednesday.
22 Americans Killed in the Israel conflict so far
The US State Department has confirmed that at least 22 American citizens were killed in the cross-border attack by Hamas. However, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed difficulty in confirming specific details about where and how these Americans lost their lives, as the “individual circumstances are not entirely clear.
The Gaza health ministry reported that a minimum of fifty-one Palestinians lost their lives, and 281 sustained injuries in the overnight airstrikes conducted by Israel in Gaza. The overall death toll in Gaza, following Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes, has now surpassed 1,200.
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