Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday informed that the 27 citizens from state who were stranded in Bethlehem in the wake of the war-like situation between Israel and Palestine have safely crossed the border into Egypt.
Lone Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya Dr Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, his wife and daughter, are among those 27 citizens who were evacuated to Egypt by the Indian Mission, a government official said.
“As per the latest information and through the efforts of MEA and our Indian mission, our 27 citizens from Meghalaya, who were stuck in the war conflict zone of Israel and Palestine have safely crossed the border into Egypt,” Chief Minister Sangma said in a post on X.
On Saturday, stranded citizens from Meghalaya an SOS to Chief Minister Sangma, requesting him to evacuate them from Bethlehem after Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel.
Immediately, the Chief Minister took the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs.
“27 citizens of Meghalaya who travelled for the Holy Pilgrimage to Jerusalem are stuck in Bethlehem due to the tension between Israel and Palestine. I am in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe passage back home,” Sangma had wrote on X.
The Indian Embassy in Israel on Saturday had issued an important advisory for Indian nationals asking Indian citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant, as Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, launched a major attack on Israel, leading to heightened tensions in the area.
“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters, the Embassy said in its advisory,” the Indian Embassy advisory shared on X.
The Embassy has also shared helpline number +97235226748 or send a message to cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
The advisory also directed Indian nationals to refer to the Israeli Home Front Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en) for additional information and preparedness resources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” Modi had wrote on X.
