Israel-Hamas War: Difficult To Evacuate Indians From Gaza Now, Says MEA

New Delhi: India has brought back 1,200 people from Israel, including 18 Nepali citizens, in five flights under the Central government’s Operation Ajay initiative since war broke out after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

However, there are four Indians in Gaza, which has come under severe bombarding from Israel Defence Forces. And according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the situation is not conducive for their evacuation at the moment.

“The situation in Gaza is difficult for any evacuation but if we get a chance, we will get them out,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday, adding that one of them is in the West Bank.

There has been no news of any Indian casualty in Israel or Gaza

One Indian, a caregiver in south Israel’s Ashkelon, was injured on the first day of Hamas’ brutal and unexpected attack. She was on a video call with her husband when a barrage of Hamas rockets pounded Israel two weeks on October 7, a day of Sabbath and a Jewish holiday.

Bagchi condemned the horrific airstrike on a hospital in Gaza that killed over 500 people including children.

He reiterated India’s concerns over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation.

Bagchi also urged the international community to come together to combat terrorism in all forms.