‘Very nervous & scared’: Indian students stuck in Israel share their plight, seek Centre's help
Israel-Palestine Conflict: While the Indian embassies in Israel and Palestine issued warnings for all of their citizens to "remain vigilant," Indian students stranded in Israel during the attacks on the country by the Hamas militant group expressed their plight. The students claim that despite being in regular touch with the Indian embassy, they are exceedingly nervous and scared because the situation is "very tense."
They have said that they are caught between going out and staying at home.
"I am very nervous and scared...Thankfully we have shelter & Israeli police forces nearby. So far we are safe...We are in touch with Indian Embassy people, we have a good Indian community around and we are connected," said Goku Manavalan.
#WATCH | On Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel, an Indian student in Israel, Goku Manavalan says, "I am very nervous and scared...Thankfully we have shelter & Israeli police forces nearby. So far we are safe...We are in touch with Indian Embassy people, we have a good Indian… pic.twitter.com/tPs6pzQlMo — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2023
Aditya Karunanithi Nivedita, another Indian student in Israel said: "It was all very sudden we did not expect it, because there are religious holidays in Israel going on. We got the sirens early in the morning at around 5:30 a.m. We were in bunkers for around 7-8 hours the sirens went off...We are asked to stay inside our homes...We are in contact with the Indian Embassy & they will update us on the future things."
#WATCH | On Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel, an Indian student in Israel, Aditya Karunanithi Nivedita says, "...It was all very sudden we did not expect it, because there are religious holidays in Israel going on. We got the sirens early in the morning at around 5:30 am. We… pic.twitter.com/U48dhoP2Vs — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2023
“The situation is tense in Israel because of the attack, but all the Indian students are safe. Most of the students are staying in dorms and accommodations provided by the college. We are in contact with each other as well as the Indian embassy,” said Vikas Sharma.
Vimal Krishnasamy Manivannan Chitra stated: It is very intense & is scary...Indian Embassy is in touch with us in the group. They are keeping a check on us.
#WATCH | On Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel, an Indian student in Israel, Vimal Krishnasamy Manivannan Chitra says, "...It is very intense & is scary...Indian Embassy is in touch with us in the group. They are keeping a check on us..." pic.twitter.com/Lw7SoJqxDa — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2023
Meanwhile, Meghalaya CM Sangma asked the Ministry of External Affairs for help in evacuating 27 people from his country who were stuck in a war-like situation between Israel and Palestine. He added that he is in contact with the ministry.
“27 citizens of Meghalaya who travelled to Jerusalem for the Holy Pilgrimage are stuck in Bethlehem due to the present tension between Israel and Palestine. I am in touch with the MEA to ensure their safe passage back home,” he said.
India has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens in Israel, urging them to exercise extreme vigilance. The Indian embassy in Israel has also established a helpline for emergencies.
The advisory states, "Given the current situation in Israel, Indian nationals in Israel are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines provided by local authorities. Please exercise caution, limit unnecessary movements, and stay near safety shelters. For more information, refer to the Israeli Home Front Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en) or their preparedness brochure. In case of emergencies, contact us at 97235226748 or leave a message at cons1.telaviva@mea.gov.in. The Embassy staff is available for further assistance."
- ANI
