'Difficult to evacuate Indians from Gaza currently,' Centre says amid Israel-Hamas war
New Delhi/IBNS: There are four Indians stuck in war-hit Gaza and the situation is not conducive for an evacuation at the moment, the Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday, adding that they will be repatriated at the first opportunity.
"The situation in Gaza is difficult for any evacuation but if we get a chance, we will get them out," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
"One of them is in the West Bank," he said.
Bagchi said there is no report of any Indian being killed or injured in Gaza.
One Indian, a caregiver in south Israel's Ashkelon, was injured in the war between Israel and Hamas. She was on a video call with her husband when a barrage of Hamas rockets pounded Israel on October 7.
India has expressed concerns over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Bachi said, referring to the horrific airstrike on a hospital premises that has killed over 500.
"You have seen the Prime Minister's tweet. The PM has expressed his concern over the death of civilians and extended his condolences to the families. India condemns all forms of violence," he said, adding, "On the Palestine issue, we have reiterated our position in favour of direct negotiations for a two-state solution."
The MEA spokesperson urged the international community to come together to combat terrorism in all its forms.
Airstrikes on a hospital compound in the Gaza Strip late Monday night killed at least 500 people, officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory said.
While Gaza blamed Israel for the strike, sparking widespread condemnation and fury, Israel denied any involvement, calling it a "misfire" by Hamas.
Israel also released a host of satellite pics and "before-after" footage of the hospital bombing to support its claim.
Meanwhile, India has repatriated 1,200 people from Israel, including 18 Nepali citizens, in five flights under Operation Ajay. Delhi has also provided nearly $30 million in aid to Palestine between 2000 and 2023.