The 6th flight of ‘Operation Ajay’ landed in New Delhi last night. This operation, initiated on October 12, aims to repatriate Indian nationals amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. The flight carried 143 passengers, including two Nepalese citizens and four infants. They were welcomed at the airport by Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste.
6th #OperationAjay flight lands in New Delhi.
143 passengers including 2 Nepalese citizens arrived onboard the flight.
Welcomed by MoS @SteelMinIndia & @MoRD_GoI @fskulaste at the airport. pic.twitter.com/x5Ejj8mDqa
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 22, 2023
This voluntary departure of Indian nationals became necessary after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip launched a bold attack on Israeli towns by land, air, and sea on October 7. Since the start of hostilities, five chartered flights have brought nearly 1,200 passengers, including children, back to India from Tel Aviv under ‘Operation Ajay.’
In another humanitarian effort, India sent vital aid to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip via Egypt. The relief material, which includes life-saving medicines, surgical items, tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets, reached Egypt and was handed over to the Red Crescent by Indian Ambassador Ajit V Gupte. This aid is intended for onward transmission to Palestine through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
The situation in the region remains tense, with reports of casualties on both sides. As of now, nearly 4,400 Palestinians have lost their lives, and at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been reported killed in Israel, according to official Israeli sources.
‘Operation Ajay’ continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe return of Indian nationals caught in the crossfire of this conflict while India extends its support to those affected in the strife-torn region.