Israel-Hamas War: Jaishankar Chairs Meeting to Review Preparations for Operation Ajay

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday chaired a meeting to review preparations for “Operation Ajay” in the wake of escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. This crucial meeting, attended by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, comes a day after India announced the rescue mission to facilitate the return of Indians who wish to come back home from Israel.

“EAM @DrSJaishankar chaired a meeting today to review preparations for #OperationAjay. #TeamMEA stands ready to assist our citizens to return home,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a post on X.

After a deadly Hamas incursion over the weekend, Israel has already mounted a massive military offensive to avenge 1300 Israelis killed in the past few days. The war running into its sixth day, which has claimed more than 2,400 lives on both sides, is expected to escalate.

Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Sri Lanka, had announced the launch of “Operation Ajay” in a post on X on Wednesday night. “Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return,” he said. “Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” he added.

Shortly after Jaishankar’s announcement, the Indian embassy in Israel said it had e-mailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight on Thursday. “Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights,” it said on X. According to estimates, around 18,000 Indians are currently residing in Israel.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has set up a round-the-clock control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine and provide information and assistance to Indian citizens. Following the escalation in the situation, the Indian embassy in Israel issued an advisory, asking Indian citizens to exercise caution.

(With agency inputs)