According to S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, India has started "Operation Ajay" to make it easier for Indians who want to return home from Israel. For the same, Jaishankar added that special charter flights and other arrangements are being made. According to estimates, there are about 18,000 Indians living in Israel.

The declaration comes as Israel and Hamas militants are engaged in a military battle that has now lasted for six consecutive days.

"Launching Operation Ajay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return, special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X (Twitter).

The Indian Embassy has sent emails to the initial batch of Indian citizens who have registered for the special flight on Thursday. Other registered passengers will receive messages for later flights, according to the Indian Embassy in Israel.

Over 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly died as a result of the many Israeli retaliation that followed the strikes launched by Hamas militants from Gaza against Israel since Saturday.

Jaishankar spoke with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday about the "crisis" in West Asia.

"Spoke to Foreign Minister @ABZayed of UAE this evening. Discussed the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Agreed to stay in touch." The minister of external affairs wrote on X.

Contact information

To monitor the situation in Israel and Palestine and to inform and aid Indian people, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a 24-hour control room in Delhi and separate emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Ramallah.

Delhi's control room can be reached via phone at 1800118797 (toll-free), +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104, +91 11 23017905, +919968291988, and by email at [email protected].

"In view of the ongoing developments in Israel and Palestine, a 24-hour control room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance," according to the MEA.

The Indian embassy in Israel issued a warning when the crisis worsened, urging Indian nationals to use caution.

"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," stated the statement.

Benny Gantz, the leader of an opposition group, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared they would create a "emergency government" to govern during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

In a joint statement, the prime minister and Gantz, a former defence minister and army chief, announced that "following a meeting... held today, the two agreed on establishing an emergency government and war cabinet."