Israel-Hamas War: India sounds nation-wide security alert to secure Israelis in the country

As the Israel-Hamas war escalates, a nationwide security alert has been sounded by India to secure Israeli nationals in the country.

The alert was shared with all concerned security establishments and police earlier on Friday asking to strengthen the security of a few listed places.

The alert has been announced to secure Israeli nationals, including diplomats, staff, and tourists.

Heavy deployments have been made at places with a high footfall of Israeli nationals, delegates, Kosher restaurants, museums, schools, resorts, and tourist spots, a top government official told News18.

As per sources, cops, including local police, have been asked to deploy patrolling staff for round-the-clock monitoring. Also, additional forces will be given to local police if required to make sure Israeli nationals in India are safe.

“In view of the latest development, it is requested to strengthen the security arrangement for Israeli missions, diplomats, officials, staff, business establishments, Chabad houses, Jewish community centres,” the top government official said.

According to reports, police will be deployed in large numbers during Friday prayers and security has been amped up at Jewish religious establishments and the Israel Embassy.

Apart from India, many countries – including the US, UK, France and Germany, have increased security around “potential Jewish targets” and “pro-Palestinian protesters” in view of the escalating violence in Israel.

On Thursday, France banned all pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the interest of public order. Critics of the ban argue that it infringes on freedom of speech and assembly.

The Israeli casualties surged past 1,300, while Gaza authorities have reported the deaths of over 1,500 Palestinians as the Israel-Hamas war entered its seventh day on Friday. The total death toll currently stands at around 2,800.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, soon after the surprise and unprecedented attack by Hamas on Saturday (7 October), declared a “state of war’ and vowed to reduce Gaza to rubble.

Meanwhile, the flight under ‘Operation Ajay’ landed in New Delhi on Friday which evacuated 212 Indian nationals stranded in war-hit Israel.