At least 17 Nepali nationals have been taken captive by Hamas, an Islamist organisation in control of Palestine, after Hamas militants stormed southern Israel early Saturday morning. According to Nepal’s envoy to Israel, seven Nepali nationals have been injured.
In light of the situation, India issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in Israel, urging them to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols, and to avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed India’s solidarity with Israel, stating that he is “deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks” and that India stands in solidarity with Israel during this difficult time.
Israel’s ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, said that Hamas from Gaza launched an attack consisting of both rockets towards Israeli civilians and ground attacks against the civilian population, resulting in many deaths and captures. Netanyahu has declared that Israel is at war with Hamas, saying in a video address, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not a round, at war!”
