Israeli team leaves for Mumbai

JERUSALEM: With nearly 15 Israelis held hostages by terrorists in Mumbai, the government here has sent a team of paramedics, medics and other professionals to India to assist with rescue efforts amid an offer by Tel Aviv to help New Delhi in dealing with terror attacks and its aftermath.

The team will help to treat casualties and in locating missing persons in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the International Red Cross. It will also assist in making arrangements for any Israeli casualties to be flown home.

Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue services have also put together a team of reservists, which will be on stand by in case additional people are needed.

MDA Director-General Eli Bin instructed the group to stay in constant contact with Red Cross representatives and to provide as much medical and other assistance as possible.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni both offered Israel's assistance to India in dealing with terror attacks and its aftermath.

Barak talked to National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and expressed support for the Indian people in the wake of the brutal attacks.

He stressed that the "attacks were part of the wave of global terror that Israel was very familiar with and that free world countries that pursue peace must fight against".

Barak expressed concerns over the fate of Israelis caught up in the attacks and thanked the Indian government for its efforts.

Narayanan briefed Barak on the developments and the Israeli defence minister offered help in an advisory capacity or in any other way it could be of assistance, humanitarian or professional, The Jerusalem Post reported.