Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has sought help from the Ministry of External Affairs to rescue 27 people from Meghalaya stranded in the war-like situation between Israel and Palestine.
The Chief Minister said he is in touch with the ministry to bring the people back to the state.
“27 citizens of Meghalaya who travelled to Jerusalem for the Holy Pilgrimage are stuck in Bethlehem due to the present tension between Israel and Palestine.” “I am in touch with the MEA to ensure their safe passage back home,” the Chief Minister said in X.
Jerusalem is one of the international destinations for Christians in Meghalaya for its religious importance.
The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel at daybreak today, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea, catching the country off guard on a major holiday.
Several hours after the invasion began, Hamas militants were still fighting gun battles inside several Israeli communities in a surprising show of strength that shook the country.
Israel’s national rescue service said at least 40 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.
At least 561 wounded people were being treated in Israeli hospitals, including at least 77 who were in critical condition, according to an Associated Press count based on public statements and calls to hospitals.
In a televised address, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Hamas had made “a grave mistake” and promised that “the state of Israel will win this war.” (With PTI inputs)