Kochi, Kerala - In a harrowing ordeal, a 45-member group of Malayali tourists found themselves caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas conflict but finally made it back to the shores of Kerala on Thursday. This group had embarked on a pilgrimage to visit the sacred sites in both Israel and Palestine when they were stranded amidst the escalating violence in the region.

Their misadventure unfolded as they were en route to Egypt when Hamas militants launched an attack, trapping them in a perilous situation. One of the members of the group, CM Maulavi, a resident of Aluva, described their traumatic experience, recounting the horrors of the ongoing war. Maulavi expressed their intention to establish contact with Kerala authorities to ensure their safe reintegration into their homeland.

"Operation Ajay" Initiates Safe Returns

Simultaneously, the Union Government launched "Operation Ajay" to facilitate the evacuation of other Keralites residing in Israel. This initiative involves coordinating special flights to repatriate Indian citizens who are determined to escape the turmoil in the war-torn nation.

However, some Keralites in Israel expressed concerns about their ability to return, citing the significant financial investments they made in reaching the region. For these individuals, the prospect of returning to Kerala seemed financially daunting.

Just two days ago, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took action by addressing a letter to the Union Minister for External Affairs, urging the government to expedite the repatriation of stranded Keralites. According to the Chief Minister's correspondence, there are over 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, with approximately 7,000 of them hailing from Kerala. This plea underscores the urgency of the situation and the need to provide assistance to those in need.

Tragic Tale of a Caregiver

Amid this tumultuous backdrop, a caregiver from Kannur, employed in Israel, suffered injuries during a recent rocket attack. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers faced by Keralites and other Indians in the region.

The safe return of the stranded Malayali tourists underscores the importance of swift and comprehensive measures to support Indian citizens caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas conflict. As Operation Ajay continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how many more individuals can be successfully evacuated from the war-torn region and reunited with their families in Kerala.

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