Israel-Hamas conflict: Kerala pilgrims return from Israel; recall hours fraught with fear and uncertainty
Kochi, October 12: In a profoundly moving story of survival and unwavering resilience, a group of Indian pilgrims who were caught in the Israel-Hamas conflict near the Gaza border have successfully returned to the safety of their homeland. Their journey back to India was nothing short of a miraculous escape, made possible by the swift and effective response of the Indian Embassy, which answered their desperate call for help.
One of the pilgrims hailing from Kerala expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Embassy. He spoke of the precarious situation they found themselves in, saying, "Had our return journey been delayed even by a single day, we might have been trapped in the heart of the war zone."
This chilling reality was not lost on the 45-member group, all of whom had embarked on a pilgrimage to Israel with hope and faith in their hearts. As they arrived at the international airport in Kochi on Thursday morning, their faces bore the unmistakable marks of relief and gratitude.
One of the pilgrims and his wife shared their harrowing experience, admitting that they initially underestimated the gravity of the situation. The tension in the air grew palpable as they heard the unsettling sounds of missiles and felt the heavy weight of uncertainty surrounding them.
Their return journey, initially planned for October 7, took a somber turn when news of the Hamas attack reached them. "We embarked on our journey, only to be halted midway, forced to stay in the same place for an entire day. Those hours were fraught with fear and uncertainty," Moulavi recollected.
The realisation that they were isolated in a foreign land, with no immediate hope for rescue, cast a deep shadow of anxiety over the group. "But the very next morning, we were able to resume our journey. Our group managed to cross into Egypt via the Taba border. The relief we felt as we crossed the borders of Israel is indescribable," Moulavi shared, a hint of emotion in his voice.
While they may not have witnessed the horrors of war up close, they could see and hear missile strikes from kms away, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. The pilgrims extended their profound gratitude to all who had supported them and prayed for their safe return. They specifically highlighted the unwavering dedication of the Indian Embassy officials, whose rapid response in the midst of the conflict became the beacon of hope guiding their journey home.
- PTC NEWS
