NEW DELHI: It is reported that 18,000 Indian citizens are stranded in the Israeli conflict zone. NDTV reports that these Indians are stuck in major cities and along highways where the war is ongoing. Among those stranded are IT workers, elderly caregivers and students, many of whom were recruited by various agencies in Israel for work including home nursing.

It is worth noting that there are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin living in Israel. Students in Israel have expressed their uncertainty about the current situation. "We have been stuck near the Gaza Strip for about an hour. Currently, there is no activity happening here. Students in the southern part of Israel are caught in the midst of the attacks" said Shweta, an Indian student, in an interview with NDTV.

Indian immigration to Israel began in the early 1950s with a significant number of people from the states of Manipur and Mizoram relocating to Israel. In response to the outbreak of war, the Indian Embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning to its citizens. Additionally, there have been reports of Nepali citizens sustaining injuries during the conflict and 11 individuals are reported missing after the attack.

Meanwhile, Hamas's military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a paramilitary force have been carrying out joint attacks. General Nimrod Iloni of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) was captured by Hamas and Ofir Leibstein, head of the local council responsible for Israel's borders was among those killed.

These two forces are currently engaged in clashes at more than fifteen locations. Israel has deployed thousands of reserve troops along the Gaza border and airstrikes have targeted Hamas facilities in Gaza. The Israeli army, paraglider troops and naval forces are prepared for further attacks with explosions being reported in central Gaza and Gaza City.