The first flight to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Israel amid the continuing conflict with Hamas arrived in New Delhi on Friday morning. The flight, carrying 212 Indian passengers, took off from Ben Gurion Airport in Israel under Operation Ajay.
The Indian government launched Operation Ajay on Wednesday to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Israel, which is experiencing intense fighting with the Hamas terrorist group. This came after Air India and other airlines suspended all commercial flights to and from Israel on October 7th due to the conflict.
On October 12, 2023, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the launch of Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of Indian citizens who wish to return from Israel. Hamas must also stop firing rockets into Israel, as this is only prolonging the conflict and causing more suffering.
The Israel-Hamas war: A tragedy that must end
The war between Israel and Hamas has entered its seventh day, and the human toll is staggering. The Israeli military has punished with near-constant airstrikes. Israel prepares for possible ground operation in Gaza, but political leaders have not made a decision
Israel is preparing for a possible ground operation in Gaza, but the political leadership has not yet decided on whether to launch one. The Israeli military has army force and equipment on the border with Gaza, and it is believed that a ground operation could be possible.