Tel Aviv, August 3, 2024 — The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has issued an advisory to Indian nationals in Israel, urging them to adhere to safety protocols issued by local authorities and to avoid unnecessary travel within the country. The advisory emphasizes the importance of staying close to safety shelters and reassures that the embassy is closely monitoring the situation.
“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the advisory read.
In a similar move, the Indian embassy in Lebanon also issued an advisory strongly urging Indian nationals to leave the country. The consulate advised against traveling to Lebanon until further notice and urged those remaining in the country to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and stay in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut.
Air India Flight Suspension
Adding to the travel advisories, Air India announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations to Tel Aviv until August 8, 2024, due to the escalating tensions in the region. The airline’s statement on social media read: “In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect up to and including 08 August 2024. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Tel Aviv during this period, with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority.”
The current situation in Israel intensified following a rocket attack on a football field in Golan Heights on July 27, 2024, allegedly carried out by Hezbollah, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children. The attack left a two-meter-wide crater and caused extensive damage to the area, including burned-out bicycles and melted batteries from scooters and electric bikes. Neighbouring tents and shelters were also affected by shrapnel from the rocket attack. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack, as reported by AP.
Since the violence on October 7 by Hamas, which claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people according to Al Jazeera, there has been a flare-up of violence between Israeli troops and Hezbollah. Recent rocket attacks in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights have further aggravated the situation, compounded by the killing of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah. On July 31, 2024, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and claimed responsibility for killing Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif on July 13, 2024, who was considered the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks.
