Operation Ajay: Bringing Indians and Nepalese Home During Israel-Hamas War

A special flight carrying 286 Indian nationals and 18 Nepalese citizens departed from Israel on 17th Oct as part of ‘Operation Ajay.’ This operation, initiated to aid the return of Indian nationals from Israel amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, continues to be a lifeline for those seeking to return to their home country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared this significant update on Operation Ajay, stating, “Operation Ajay update: 286 more passengers are coming back to India. Also carrying 18 Nepalese citizens.”

The Indian Embassy in Israel reported that this was the fifth flight in the series that has taken off from Tel Aviv to Delhi, signifying the unwavering commitment to facilitating the return of Indian and Nepalese citizens to safety. Some of the Nepalese citizens were living in challenging circumstances in Israel, while others simply desired to return to their homeland.

Kanta Rizal, the Nepalese Ambassador to Israel, revealed that 254 Nepalese citizens were sent home on Nepal Airlines on October 12, and additional flights may be organized to assist more citizens in their return. Cooperation between the Indian and Nepalese embassies has been instrumental in these evacuation efforts. Arjun Dhimire, Deputy Chief of Mission in Israel, emphasized their collaboration, stating, “The two embassies (Indian and Nepalese) were in touch and always cooperate. This time also, considering the limited flights, the Embassy of Nepal asked to accommodate its 18 citizens.”

Operation Ajay was initiated on October 12 in response to the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, enabling Indian nationals to return home safely. The conflict escalated following a brazen attack on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, prompting the need for a voluntary departure of Indian nationals.

Over the past week, four chartered flights departed from Tel Aviv, carrying a total of 906 passengers, including children. This operation has been a crucial effort to provide a way out for those affected by the ongoing hostilities.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has had severe consequences, with significant loss of life. As per official Israeli sources, at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have tragically lost their lives. On the other side, since the start of hostilities, as many as 2,778 Palestinians have been killed. These devastating figures underscore the urgency of Operation Ajay and similar initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens in the region.

The commitment of governments and diplomatic missions in Israel, such as the Indian and Nepalese embassies, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of their citizens amidst these challenging times. Operation Ajay continues to make a significant impact, providing hope for those seeking to return to the safety of their homeland.

As the situation in the region remains fluid, we will continue to bring you the latest news today on the developments surrounding Operation Ajay and efforts to ensure the well-being of Indian and Nepalese citizens affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Stay tuned for further updates.