The repercussions of the Israel conflict reverberated in India on Mar. 4, as a 31-year-old individual from Kerala lost their life, while two others sustained injuries. This incident was suspected to be a result of a rocket and mortar attack launched by Lebanon’s Hezbollah group near an orchard situated on Israel’s northern borders.
The three young individuals from Kerala are reported to have traveled to Israel to work in orchards located near the volatile borders with Lebanon. This move came after the suspension of work permits for Palestinians following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 last year.
An anti-tank missile struck a plantation within the Margaliot collective agricultural farm in the Galilee region of northern Israel at approximately 11 am on March 4. Tragically, Patnibin Maxwell (30) from Kollam, who had arrived in January, was instantly killed in the incident. Bush Joseph George (31) and Paul Melvin (28), both hailing from Idukki and also employed on the farm, sustained injuries and were subsequently hospitalized, according to reports and updates from the Israel embassy in New Delhi.
Maxwell's passing marks the first reported death of an Indian individual near Israel’s border with Lebanon in several years. He is survived by his pregnant wife and a five-year-old daughter.
Reportedly, this incident marks the seventh civilian death in the Israeli-controlled area of the region. Additionally, 10 Israel Defence Force (IDF) personnel have been reported killed in attacks by the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group.
India conveyed mixed messages regarding the safety of its nationals in Israel. While most parts of the country were deemed safe, the border areas were highlighted as potentially dangerous. An advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Israel encouraged nationals to relocate from border regions to safer areas within the country. Simultaneously, Air India announced the government's approval for the resumption of flights to Tel Aviv. The first flight took off on Mar. 3.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained its estimate of 18,000 Indians in Israel since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Approximately 1,000 Indians, predominantly students, have returned home. However, confirmed reports indicate that around 10,000 Indian workers have departed for Israel to fill the gaps in farming, construction, hospice, and domestic care sectors.
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