Operation Ajay: First flight from Tel Avi will leave today, Malayalee team stranded returns

NEW DELHI: Operation Ajay, announced by the central government to evacuate the Indians trapped in Israel, will begin on Thursday. The first flight from Tel Aviv will leave to Delhi. The list of Indians to be brought by the special flight has been prepared. The list includes people who have expressed their desire to return home. The Indian Embassy in Israel had sent them an email regarding the flight. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said people willing to return are being given an opportunity.

Meantime, the first team of Malayalee pilgrims stranded in Israel has arrived in Kerala. A group of 42 members from Kochi went on a pilgrimage to Israel. The war started during their trip to Egypt after completing their visit to Palestine and Israel on October 3.

Meantime, Israeli forces are all set to launch a ground war in the devastated Gaza at any moment. Israeli military officials announced yesterday that ground war could begin at any moment. Israel opened ports in three places after the attack from neighboring countries Lebanon and Syria. Meanwhile, a joint cabinet was formed in Israel, including the opposition.

Rockets fired by Hamas into the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon hit a childcare center yesterday. Many children were injured. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself released the pictures. Israel officially announced yesterday that 169 of its soldiers were killed.