Guwahati: At least 27 people from the northeastern state of Meghalaya, who went to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, are stranded in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “27 citizens of Meghalaya who traveled for the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem are stuck in Bethlehem due to the tension between Israel and Palestine.”
Chief Minister Sangma said that he has sought help from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring all the 27 people back to the state.
“I am in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe passage back home,” Chief Minister Sangma added in his post on X.
Earlier on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Israel issued an advisory for its nationals in Israel advising them to avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. The Indian Embassy has asked the citizens to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols issued by local authorities.
Israel Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said, "Israel is under a combined attack from Gaza during the Jewish holiday. Both by rockets and ground infiltration of Hamas terrorists. The situation is not simple but Israel will prevail."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” Prime Minister Modi added.
Meanwhile, Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked residents of Gaza to leave. In a post on X, the PM said, "All of the places which Hamas is deployed, hiding and operating in, that wicked city, we will turn them into rubble. I say to the residents of Gaza: Leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere."