As fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants continued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a round-the-clock control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance to Indians who may require help.
The multi-pronged attacks against Israel by Hamas militants from Gaza since Saturday and the subsequent Israeli retaliation have left over 1,200 people dead triggering mounting global concerns. It is learnt that around 18,000 Indians are currently staying in Israel and there are no reports of any harm to them.
“In view of the ongoing developments in Israel and Palestine, a 24-hour control room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance,” the MEA said.
The phone numbers at the Delhi control room are 1800118797 (Toll free), +91-11 23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905m +919968291988. and the email is situationroom@mea.gov.in.
In addition, Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has set up a 24-hour emergency helpline, which can be accessed on phone numbers: +97235226748, +972-543278392 and email cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
Further, the MEA said India’s representative office in Ramallah has also set up a 24-hour emergency helpline. Its contact details are: +970-592916418 (also whatsapp), rep.ramallah@mea.gov.in (email).
Meanwhile, urging the Indian nationals in Israel “to remain calm, vigilant,” the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has reassured them that it is “monitoring the situation closely” and “working constantly to help our fellow citizens in Israel”.
In a recorded message on the X, the social media platform, India’s Ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Singla, said: “This is to assure you that the embassy is working constantly for your safety and welfare. All of us are going through very difficult times but please do remain calm and vigilant and follow the local security guidelines.”
“We are here to help you, and we thank many of you who have sent so many messages of appreciation to us. We are monitoring the situation closely and please stay tuned for any updates from the embassy. Jai Hind,” Singla added.
Israel has vowed an unprecedented offensive against the Islamic militant group Hamas ruling Gaza after its fighters broke through the border fence and stormed into the country’s south through air, land and sea on October 7.
The embassy in Tel Aviv was quick to reach out to a caregiver from Kerala who was injured in the rocket shelling in the city of Ashdod on Saturday and has been constantly in touch with her and her family in India.
