India launches 'Operation Ajay' to bring back citizens trapped in war-hit Israel. Key things to know

India has launched 'Operation Ajay' to facilitate the return from Israel of those Indians who wish to come back home, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced on Wednesday. Special charter flights and other arrangements are being put in place for the same, said Jaishankar. According to estimates, around 18,000 Indians are currently residing in Israel.

The announcement comes as the military conflict between Hamas militants and Israel continued for the sixth day.

"Launching Operation Ajay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return, special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad," Jaishankar posted on X.



The Indian Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight on Thursday. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights, said Indian Embassy in Israel.

The multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza since Saturday and the subsequent Israeli retaliation have left over 3,000 people dead, according to reports.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar discussed the "crisis" in West Asia with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"Spoke to Foreign Minister @ABZayed of UAE this evening. Discussed the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Agreed to stay in touch," the external affairs minister posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a round-the-clock control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine and provide information and assistance to the Indian citizens.

The phone numbers of the control room in Delhi are 1800118797 (toll-free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905 and +919968291988, and the e-mail ID is situationroom@mea.gov.in.

"In view of the ongoing developments in Israel and Palestine, a 24-hour control room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance," the MEA said.

Following the escalation in the situation, the Indian embassy in Israel issued an advisory, asking Indian citizens to exercise caution.

"In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities," it said.

Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the formation of an "emergency government" with an opposition party leader, Benny Gantz, for the duration of the war with Gaza militants.

"Following a meeting ... held today, the two agreed on establishing an emergency government and war cabinet," said a joint statement by the premier and Gantz, a former defence minister and army chief.

(With agency inputs)