After enduring the harrowing experience of air raid sirens, rocket fire, and shelter stays, over 200 Indians returned from Israel on Friday. The traumatic incident was a direct response to a series of Hamas militant attacks on Israeli towns, causing renewed tensions in the region and prompting India to launch "Operation Ajay" to bring its citizens home.
Many of the students who returned vividly recalled the fateful Saturday night when they had to rush to shelters repeatedly due to rocket attacks by Hamas.
Israel witnessed an unprecedented attack by Hamas in its southern parts on Saturday morning, contributing to a death toll of over 2,800 lives on both sides of the conflict.
"We woke up to the sound of air raid sirens. We stay in central Israel, and I don't know what shape this conflict will take," shared Shashwat Singh after landing at Delhi airport with his wife, news agency PTI reported.
Shashwat Singh, a post-doctoral researcher in agriculture, had been residing in Israel since 2019, and the experience of those sirens and the nightmarish past few days still haunts him.
"Bringing back Indians is a commendable step," Singh expressed, "We hope peace will be restored, and we can return to work. The Indian government reached out to us via email. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian Embassy in Israel." According to PTI, another flight carrying 200 Indian passengers from Tel Aviv is expected to arrive on Saturday.
Suparno Ghosh, a first-year PhD student at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, also told the news agency: "We could not know what happened. On Saturday, some rockets were launched. But, we were safe in shelters... the good thing is that the Israeli government has made shelters everywhere, so we were safe."
Several female students also shared their experiences during the attacks, expressing their fear and panic during air raid sirens. Jaipur native Mini Sharma told PTI, "It was a panic situation. We are not citizens there, we are just students. So, for us, whenever the sirens go on, it's a panic situation for us."
When asked about the rescue flight's notification, Mini Sharma stated, "Just a day before. We packed our bags yesterday morning after receiving a message from the Indian Embassy. They were very helpful. We were able to get in touch with them round the clock."
Deepak, another student, revealed, "We heard sirens on Saturday. We could also hear the sound of the attack. Israeli authorities were instructing us (to take safety measures). I am happy to return home but at the same time sad that our friends are there (in Israel)," as reported by the news agency.
Duti Banerjee, another evacuee, described the situation in Israel as "pretty messy and unsettled". She further explained how normal life had come to a halt, with people living in fear and anger. Even during her departure, she heard sirens and had to seek shelter.
Soni, another student, expressed gratitude towards the governments of India and Israel for their support. She had initially booked two flights, unsure when the Indian government would evacuate them, but was glad to return. She noted that many Indians still remained in Israel, the report said.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reported that approximately 18,000 Indians reside in Israel, with a small number in the West Bank and Gaza.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar personally greeted the returning passengers at Delhi International Airport and expressed his delight at their safe arrival. In line with Prime Minister Modi's motto, he emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and return of every Indian in danger. "Operation Ajay" reflects the government's dedication to leaving no Indian stranded, Chandrasekhar affirmed.