Operation Ajay
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- Published: October 13, 2023 14:13
New Delhi: The first chartered flight bringing back Indian nationals, stranded in Israel amidst bloody face-off with Hamas terrorists, reverberated with ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ chants.
The flight with 212 Indian passengers on board left Ben Gurion airport in Israel & reached Delhi under the ‘Operation Ajay’ on Friday morning.
In a bid to safeguard its nationals from getting caught in the Israel-Palestine crossfire, Indian government launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to airlift its nationals from the war-zone.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar welcomed the Indian citizens as they landed at IGI airport, this morning.
‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ chants in Air India flight
A video of Indian passengers onboard Air India flight has drawn attention of all. In the video, a couple of passengers could be seen chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ slogans.
The passengers who comprised first batch of evacuees from Israel are relieved and relaxed lot as situation is expected to worsen with Israel’s warcry against Palestine based terror outfits.
#WATCH | Chants of ‘Vande Matram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ by passengers on the first flight carrying 212 Indian nationals from Israel. The flight landed at Delhi airport earlier today.
(Video Source: Passenger) pic.twitter.com/qZSMyPZmwS
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023
Many of them thanked Indian government for repatriating them on time and also recounted their frightening experience of ‘missile triggered sirens & rushing to buildings after every such call.’
A passenger told ANI, “We are very thankful to the Indian government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for bringing us back. We are hoping for peace as soon as possible so that we can go back to work as early as possible.”
Many of those returning home have horrible stories to share. For many, it’s a first time experience of such chaos while some want the war to finish soon, so that they can return to work.
About Operation Ajay
With Israel stepping up offensive against surprise Hamas attack on October 7, the situation is set to escalate further with PM Netyanyahu vowing to retaliate, never seen before.
In wake of escalating conflict, Indian government on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to evacuate stranded Indian citizens from the terror- hit nation. Notably, Indian airlines have already suspended all their operations to the country after the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.
Under the Operation, special chartered flights have been pressed into service to bring back the Indians while Indian Navy ships may also get into action mode if need arises.
As per estimates, there are about 18,000 Indian nationals in Israel and they include students, professionals & businessmen.
How Israel-Hamas conflict impacting world
The fierce face-off between Israeli Army and Hamas men has potential to throw the world into a ‘volatile mode’ as more parties are likely to participate either directly or indirectly.
Lebanon based Hezbollah was first to wade into war. It also reportedly fired rockets into Israeli territory and was retaliated strongly by IDF. Iran has threatened Israel to stop bombing Gaza else consequences could be severe.
Meanwhile, protests have broken out in many Western countries against Israeli’s repeated bombing in Gaza Strip. Police force in England & France had to hit the streets to disperse the mob that gathered for expressing support to terror faction Hamas.