Operation Ajay Launched By India Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict As Netanyahu Threatens Hamas Destruction: 10 Key Insights

Israel-Hamas war intensifies with casualties, India's 'Operation Ajay' for nationals, and global diplomatic responses in the wake of escalating conflict

Written by: Shivani Kumari

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: October 12, 2023

Summary: Escalating Israel-Hamas tensions marked by rocket attacks, India initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate Indian citizens from Israel. Israel commits to a strong response, vowing to eliminate Hamas in retaliation.

Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians reached a critical point when Hamas fighters launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Israel last Saturday. In response, Israel declared a state of war. This conflict has tragically claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals on both sides, causing numerous injuries and triggering widespread air raid sirens throughout the nation. This situation has also heightened the prospects of further intense confrontations.

Netanyahu vows to eliminate Hamas; Biden condemns cruelty. Israel maintains the Gaza blockade, and India launches Operation Ajay to evacuate citizens from Israel.

10 Updates You Should Know

1. Amid rising tensions, Netanyahu vows to eliminate Hamas, declaring, "Every Hamas terrorist faces a dire fate."

2. Over 1,100 Palestinians, including 326 children, have died in Gaza since Saturday, with 5,339 injuries. In southern Israel, the death toll from Hamas' weekend invasion reached 1,200, as the IDF continued strikes in Gaza.

3. India launches "Operation Ajay" to bring back Indian nationals from Israel amid escalating tensions triggered by Hamas attacks on Israeli towns.

4. Nepal to evacuate 250 nationals from Israel, with the repatriation of 10 Nepali students' remains at a later date, as announced by the Foreign Ministry.

5. The White House reports 22 Americans killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, with 17 individuals still unaccounted for, and the possibility of the number increasing in the days ahead.

6. The US State Department raised the travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank to "reconsider travel" (Level 3) and maintained Gaza's advisory at "do not travel" (Level 4).

7. Biden and the UAE President discussed aid amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the significance of the UAE's role in the Abraham Accords.

8. Saudi Crown Prince and Iran's leader, Raisi, discussed Gaza's military situation, emphasizing Riyadh's commitment to de-escalation and support for Palestine.

9. British Airways suspended Tel Aviv flights after security concerns led to a return of a London-bound flight.

10. Sirens in northern Israel alarmed residents, but it was a false alarm. Tensions remain due to potential threats from Hezbollah following recent Hamas attacks.