Israel has denied reports that Indians are being denied shelter in Jerusalem amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East after a photo of people sleeping on the subway went viral on social media, calling it “fake news”.
Guy Nir, spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in India, said that “people of all ethnicities” are clearly visible in the photo. “Metro stations are safe and official spaces in Israel. Many of my friends in Tel Aviv spend their nights there. As you can see – Indian citizens are welcome, along with all citizens,” Nir said in a post on X. Follow live updates of US-Iran war news
Last week, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a warning to its nationals in Israel shortly after the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government launched joint strikes on Iran with the United States. India asked its citizens in Israel to “exercise utmost caution and vigilance at all times.”
The warning urged residents to closely follow all safety instructions and guidelines issued by the Israeli authorities, including the Home Front Command directives.
Indians in Israel have also been asked to stay near designated shelters and ensure that they are aware of the nearest protected places near their homes and workplaces.
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Additionally, Indian citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel within Israel until further notice and to remain alert to local news, official announcements and emergency alerts for timely updates on the ongoing military conflict with Iran.
Since the weekend, during which joint US-Israeli strikes also killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the conflict in the Middle East has escalated into a full-blown global turmoil, affecting other countries in the region, affecting oil trade, and so on.
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In an attempt to retaliate against Khamenei, Iran also launched retaliatory strikes against the United States and Israel, as part of which, Tehran struck several US-linked bases in other Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan.
Prime Minister Modi on Conflict and Indians in the Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the conflict in the Middle East is “an issue of grave concern” for India. Reiterating India’s foreign policy stance, he said New Delhi has always been an advocate of peace amid global tensions.
He added, “India supports resolving all conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.” “We will continue to work with West Asian countries to ensure the safety of Indians there,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke to Netanyahu on Monday and reiterated the need for an “early cessation of hostilities” amid the ongoing conflict.
“I had a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. I conveyed India’s concerns about the recent developments and stressed the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” he wrote on X.
Repatriation flights from Middle Eastern countries, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Oman, have begun operations to repatriate resident and stranded Indians.
