Indians In Israel Urged To Stay Alert, Stay Close To Safety Shelters After Hamas Attack

The Embassy of India in Israel on Saturday released a crucial advisory aimed at Indian nationals residing in the country.

In this advisory, they have urged individuals to limit their non-essential travel and remain in close proximity to safety shelters. Furthermore, the Indian Embassy has stressed the importance of vigilance and adherence to all safety guidelines provided by the local authorities.

"In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Front Command website or their preparedness brochure," it said in a statement.

"In case of emergency, please contact us at +97235226748, or leave a message at [email protected]. The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance," it added.

Earlier in the day, in one the biggest escalation in recent times, Israel declared a "state of readiness for war" as it faced a massive barrage of rockets from the Gaza Strip and infiltrations into its southern region, resulting in at least one fatality and 16 injuries.

Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has shared a video on X, formerly Twitter. He says, "We are at war".

The Islamic faction Hamas, which exercises control over the Gaza Strip, claimed responsibility for launching 5,000 rockets at Israel in an early morning assault they named "Operation al-Aqsa Flood."

Israel's Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, issued a warning after assessing the situation on Saturday morning, stating, "The Hamas terrorist organization has made a grave mistake this morning by initiating a war against the State of Israel."

He urged all of Israel's citizens to heed security instructions and declared, "The State of Israel will prevail in this conflict."

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi was conducting an assessment and approving action plans.

"The IDF has declared a state of readiness for war. Hamas, the group behind this attack, will be held responsible for the consequences of these events," the statement from the Israeli military said.