The Ministry of External Affairs stated that there are four Indians in Gaza and that their circumstances do not now permit their evacuation. They will be returned to their home country as soon as possible.
"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. There are no reports of any Indian being killed or injured in Gaza, he said, "strongly condemning" the terror attack on Israel.
In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, one Indian, a carer in Ashkelon, south Israel, was hurt. It was October 7, a Jewish holiday and Sabbath day, and she was on a video conference with her husband when a volley of Hamas missiles hit Israel.
India has expressed concerns over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation, Bagchi said, speaking about the horrific airstrike on a hospital in Gaza 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 also urged the international community to come together to combat terrorism in all its forms.
