Indians in Israel asked to relocate from border areas

India has asked all of its citizens in Israel to move from the north and south border regions to safer areas after a man from Kerala was killed in a missile strike in Margaliot on Monday afternoon.

Identified by Indian media as Pat Nibin Maxwell, the 31-year-old was working in an orchard in the northern Israeli village when an anti-tank missile allegedly fired by the Lebanese Hezbollah struck the area, killing the Kollam resident and injuring several others.

Among the injured are two other Indian citizens also from Kerala, and four foreign workers, according to news reports, who are currently receiving medical care, the Israeli Embassy in India confirmed in a statement.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Shia terror organization Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot yesterday early afternoon,” the Israeli embassy said.

“Our prayers and thoughts naturally go to the families of the bereaved and those of the injured. Israeli Medical institutions are completely at the service of the injured who are being treated by our very best medical staff. Israel regards equally all nationals, Israeli or foreign, who are injured or killed due to terrorism. We will be there to support the families and offer them assistance,” it added.

“Our countries, who are sadly well versed in civilian loss, stand united in hopes of a speedy recovery for the injured and solace for the family of the bereaved.”