Indian Embassy Issues Advisory To Nationals In Israel Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions, Here's What It Says
Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Indian Embassy in Israel advises Indian nationals to remain vigilant and follow local safety guidelines.
The Embassy of India in Israel on Friday issued an advisory for all Indian nationals in the country. The Middle East continues to witness high tensions, with conflicts involving Israel and various groups, including Hamas.
"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities," the embassy posted on X.
📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*
— India in Israel (@indemtel) August 2, 2024
Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/COxuF3msn0
Air India Suspends Tel Aviv Flights
In light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Air India has announced the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv until August 8. The airline, owned by the Tata Group, typically operates five weekly flights from the national capital to the Israeli city.
"In view of the ongoing situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended the 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," stated Air India in a post on X. The airline further mentioned that it is extending support to passengers with confirmed bookings during this period by offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.
This decision follows the cancellation of Air India's flight to Tel Aviv on Thursday. Earlier this year, Air India had also briefly suspended flights to Tel Aviv due to similar tensions. The services to the Israeli city were recommenced on March 3 after nearly five months of suspension, which began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas on the city.
US President Joe Biden Backs Israel
In a related development, US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security amid rising threats from Iran and its proxies. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden assured support against threats from groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. US Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate for the upcoming election, also joined the call.
"The president reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis," stated a readout from the call. The discussion included efforts to bolster Israel’s defence against threats, including ballistic missiles and drones, and the deployment of new US military assets.
The call followed the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and senior Hezbollah general Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Netanyahu's government has not commented on Haniyeh's killing, though Hamas has blamed Israel for the act. Iran has vowed to avenge the assassination, with Hamas's armed wing stating that Haniyeh's death would significantly impact their conflict with Israel.
Hours before Haniyeh was targeted, Israel announced the killing of senior Hezbollah leader Shukr in Beirut, attributing his death to his involvement in a recent rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the attack, but a response to Shukr’s death is anticipated, as the group has historically retaliated with rocket barrages against Israel following the killing of its senior members.
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