286 People Returning To India In 5th 'Operation Ajay' Flight. 18 Nepalese Citizens Onboard, EAM Says

Operation Ajay: The Nepalese Ambassador to Israel said that among the 18 Nepalese citizens, some were residing in conflict areas, while others simply wanted to go back to their home country.

286 passengers coming back to India in the fifth flight of 'Operation Ajay' ( Image Source :X/@DrSJaishankar )

In the ongoing efforts to evacuate Indian and Nepalese citizens from the conflict zone amidst the Israel-Hamas war, another flight took off from Tel Aviv to India on Tuesday. Carrying 286 Indian nationals and 18 Nepalese citizens, the fifth flight of 'Operation Ajay' departed today, the Indian Embassy in Israel informed. India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also confirmed the developments in a post. This evacuation mission is part of 'Operation Ajay,' aimed at ensuring the safe return of those who wish to leave Israel due to the recent hostilities.

The decision to evacuate Indian and Nepalese citizens was prompted by the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7. In response, 'Operation Ajay' was initiated on October 12 to provide an organised and safe departure for those who wished to return to India.

Kanta Rizal, the Nepalese Ambassador to Israel, told news agency PTI that among the 18 Nepalese citizens, some were residing in conflict areas, while others simply wanted to go back to their home country. She added that a previous flight had already transported 254 Nepalese citizens on October 12, and they are considering additional flights to assist those who wish to return.

Speaking to PTI, Arjun Dhimire, the Nepalese Deputy Chief of Mission in Israel, emphasised the collaborative efforts between the Indian and Nepalese embassies, stating, "The two embassies were in touch and always cooperate with each other. This time also, considering the limited flights, the Embassy of Nepal asked to accommodate its 18 citizens."

In recent days, a total of 906 passengers, including children, were evacuated on four chartered flights from Tel Aviv. However, the situation remains dire, with the hostilities having resulted in significant casualties.

At least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been reported dead in Israel, while 2,778 Palestinians have lost their lives amid the war.

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