TEL AVIV: As Israel launched a counter-attack after the attack by Hamas, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a warning to Indians, including the Malayalis. The Ministry of External Affairs said that unnecessary travel should be avoided and citizens should stay in safe places. Instructions issued by local administrations should be followed. The notification also says to contact the Indian Embassy in case of emergency in addition to maintaining caution. Indians were warned in regional languages including Malayalam. A helpline number and e-mail to contact in case of emergency are given along with the instructions.
After the attack by Hamas intensified, most of the Malayalis sought refuge in bunkers. The Malayalis said that they were instructed to stay in the bunkers. Residents of southern Israel are advised not to leave their homes. The preliminary estimate is that there are currently around 18,000 Indians in Israel, including 6,000 Malayalis. Israel's ambassador to India also confirmed that the current situation is bad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we stand in solidarity with Israel in its clash with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Modi took to social media to say that he was deeply shocked by the terrorist attack and stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
Countries including Britain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands have condemned Hamas' attack on Israel. The Saudis have called for an immediate withdrawal from the conflict. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the attack on Israel was shocking and Israel had the absolute right to defend itself. Rishi Sunak said he was in constant contact with the authorities in Israel and urged British nationals in Israel to follow the travel advice.
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel. Macron also expressed his full solidarity with the victims and their families. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated that they stand with Israel.
Hamas attacked Israel at 6:30 today morning. Hamas fired more than 5,000 rockets into Israel in 20 minutes. After that, Israel also launched a counterattack. Israel has officially declared war on Hamas. So far 22 Israelis have been killed in the clashes. More than 100 people were seriously injured.