NEW DELHI: Air India has canceled more flights to Israel as the Israeli counter-offensive against Hamas intensified and tensions escalated. Air India has announced that the services to Tel Aviv will be suspended till October 14. There will also be no return services from there. Air India stated that the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of the passengers and crew.

It is assessed that there are 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel. Most of them are employed as 'caregivers' who take care of the elderly. There are presence of Indians in fields like diamond trade, IT and construction sector. A good proportion of those who came as caregivers are Malayalees. More Indians are in Tel Aviv, Bersheva and Ramla. In addition to these, there are 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel, according to the embassy.

Indians can contact the embassy in case of need. Phone: +97235226748, Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.