TEL AVIV: The Israel authorities has rescued ten Indian construction workers from West Bank where they had been held for over a month. Israeli media reported that they were rescued overnight. The rescue was a joint operation by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Ministry of Justice. The workers have been moved to a safe location.

It is reported that the Israeli army identified their passports as being used for illegal activities and later returned their passports. The Indian embassy stated that it has requested Israel to ensure the welfare and safety of the released workers. It is not clear the workers are from which state.

The ten workers released were brought to the West Bank with the promise of jobs. Some then tried to enter Israel by taking their passports. These moves were detected by the Israeli army. After the attack on October 7, 2023, the authorities have banned construction workers from Palestine from entering Israel. Following this, more construction workers from India are being recruited to Israel. Reports indicated that around 16,000 Indian construction workers arrived in Israel last year. They are promised good salaries and benefits.

A Malayali man was shot dead by Jordanian soldiers days ago while trying to enter Israel. The dead is Thomas alias 47, son of Gabriel Perera of Thumba had come to Jordan on a visiting visa. The person who was with him was shot in the leg, but he survived and had returned home.