Northeast Desk, 8th October: In a significant development, 27 citizens from Meghalaya, who were stranded in the midst of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Bethlehem, have been safely evacuated to Egypt. These individuals were stuck in the crossfire of escalating tensions between the two nations.
The successful evacuation, which came as a result of concerted efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian mission, brings relief to both the evacuated citizens and their anxious families back in Meghalaya.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to his social media platform to share the encouraging news, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that facilitated the safe passage of these residents out of the conflict zone.
He wrote, “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.”
Among the stranded individuals were Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. WR Kharluki and his family, including his wife and daughter. Their safe evacuation highlights the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens abroad, particularly during times of crisis.
This evacuation comes amid a dire situation in the region, with over 500 casualties reported on both sides of the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that Israel was “embarking on a long and difficult war” against Hamas. He vowed to restore security for Israeli citizens and achieve the objectives set forth.
The safe return of these Meghalaya citizens stands as a testament to the diplomatic efforts and international cooperation that come into play during such challenging times, reinforcing India’s commitment to the safety and security of its nationals overseas.