The first flight under ‘Operation Ajay’ brought back 212 Indians from Israel, who were stranded there due to the ongoing war. The passengers were selected on a “first come first serve” basis after the Indian embassy launched a drive for all Indians to register at the mission’s database. The government is covering the cost of their return.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar was present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to welcome the rescued individuals.
This flight was organized because Air India immediately suspended its flights on October 7 when the fighting began, and its commercial operations are still suspended.
Shubham Kumar, an Indian student in Israel, expressed gratitude to India for the support. He mentioned that the embassy’s efforts provided relief and boosted their morale.
Despite this first flight, there are still many Indians, including students, waiting at the Tel Aviv airport to board the special flights under ‘Operation Ajay.’
Israel has launched an offensive against the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip. The military has positioned significant personnel and signaled a potential ground offensive, seeking to “wipe out” the militant group responsible for an attack that claimed many lives. In response, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has called for international humanitarian assistance for Gaza and urged Gazans to remain on their land.