Second batch of 235 Indian nationals from Israel landed safely in Delhi

India has successfully evacuated the second batch of 235 Indian nationals, which included two infants, with their plane arriving in Delhi early today morning. This evacuation comes just a day after 212 Indians were flown out of Israel as tensions flared between the country and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

India initiated 'Operation Ajay' on Thursday, with the primary objective of facilitating the return of Indian nationals affected by the recent attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza. These attacks, which began on October 7, have intensified the already fragile situation in the region.

Reliable sources have confirmed that the second batch of Indian nationals, along with the two infants, were safely evacuated on Friday. The evacuation flight took off at 11.02 pm local time, and this lifesaving operation will continue in the coming days.



The Indian Embassy, actively engaged in coordinating these efforts, has taken steps to ensure that all registered Indian citizens are informed about the special evacuation flights. In a statement, the Embassy announced, "The Embassy has emailed the next lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight today. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights."

The gratitude expressed by those who have been evacuated is profound. Suryakant Tiwari, a PhD student at Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, extended his thanks to the Indian government, saying, "I really want to thank the Government of India for evacuating us from the war situation in Israel... Our government has evacuated us from such a situation under 'Operation Ajay.'"

The first charter flight for the return of Indian citizens from Israel departed late Thursday evening from the Ben Gurion airport. It carried 211 adults and an infant, all of whom were residing in the conflict-ridden region. The flight safely reached the Indian capital on Friday morning. The passengers on this flight were selected on a "first come first serve" basis, following a registration drive initiated by the Indian embassy. It is important to note that the Indian government is covering the expenses for their return.

Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals, including caregivers, students, IT professionals, and diamond traders, are currently living and working in Israel. The evacuation of Indian nationals became necessary after Hamas militants, based in the Gaza Strip, carried out a daring and unprecedented attack on Israel. They breached the Israeli security fence and infiltrated Israel via land, air, and sea.

The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with over 1,300 casualties in Israel and more than 1,530 in Gaza due to Israeli counter-airstrikes. Israel has reported the deaths of around 1,500 Hamas militants within its borders. The situation remains a cause for international concern, and India's 'Operation Ajay' continues to work diligently to ensure the safety and return of its citizens amidst this ongoing crisis.

(With inputs from PTI)