An Indian national died and two others sustained injuries on Tuesday when an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon hit an orchard in Margaliot, a community in northern Israel.
One Indian worker, #NibinMaxwell, was killed and two others injured in a missile attack by the #Hezbollah militant group in Margaliot, #Israel. This marks the first reported death of an Indian near Israel's border with #Lebanon in several years.#India #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/L07dVIWIip
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 5, 2024
The victim was identified as Pat Nibin Maxwell of Kollam, Kerala. Maxwell — who arrived in Israel two years ago — was working on a farm when the attack happened. He is survived by a daughter and his wife, who is seven months pregnant with another child. Maxwell has two siblings, and his older brother also works in Israel.
According to the Hindustan Times, Maxwell's elder brother has arrived at Israel’s northern border to repatriate his mortal remains. The family has contacted the Indian embassy in Israel and are making arrangements to bring the body back to Kerala in approximately four days.
Two additional farmhands, Joseph George Bush and Paul Melvin, who sustained critical injuries in the incident, also hail from Kerala. According to the paper, five other foreign workers suffered minor to moderate injuries. “[Bush] was taken to the Beilinson hospital in Petah Tikva after suffering injuries on face and body. He underwent an operation, is recovering well, and has been kept under observation. He could speak with his family in India,” sources told the Times.
Israel’s Response
The Israeli embassy in India expressed 'deeply shock' over the incident, which the embassy called a "cowardly terror attack launched by Shia Terror organisation Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot yesterday early afternoon.”
“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,” the statement said. “We will be there to support the families and offer them assistance. 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,” it added.
Israel’s ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, also issued a statement, stating that he spoke with Maxwell’s brother and expressed condolences to him and his family. “Israel will be by their side for anything and everything,” Naor said.
📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL* pic.twitter.com/Fshw7zcbmj
— India in Israel (@indemtel) March 5, 2024
Advisory for Indian Nationals
India’s embassy in Israel advised its citizens in Israeli border areas to relocate to safer areas following a missile attack. The notice, posted on the embassy’s X account on Tuesday, advertised helplines for citizens seeking further information. “In view of the prevailing security situation and local safety advisories, all Indians nationals in Israel, especially those working in or visiting border areas in the north and south, are advised to relocate to safe areas within Israel. The Embassy remains in touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” the advisory read.
Earlier, Israeli construction companies reportedly asked permission from Israeli authorities to hire up to 100,000 Indian workers to replace Palestinians. Thousands of Indian workers have, reportedly, been engaged to replace Palestinians who have been barred from entering Israel since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
Indian Workers in Israel
Last month, the Israeli government announced that it would recruit almost 65,000 from several South Asian countries shortly. This includes carpenters, ironworkers, plasterers, and tile fitters, with an anticipated total of 60,000 workers to be hired in the coming months.
According to India’s external affairs ministry, there are currently 18,000 Indian workers in Israel, the majority of them are caretakers.