A tragic strike occurred in north Israel’s Margaliot area when a missile was launched by the Hezbollah faction supporting the conflict with Hamas, resulting in the first Indian casualty of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On March 5, 2024, Patnibin Maxwell from Kollam in Kerala lost his life during this brutal attack, and two other Indian nationals, Bush Joseph George and Paul Melvin, sustained injuries.
The strike targeted peaceful agricultural workers employed in an orchard, and the Indian community is mourning the loss alongside Israel, which has expressed its deep shock and sadness over the incident. The Israeli government has reassured that the injured are receiving top medical care and that it stands ready to provide assistance to the affected families, emphasizing the equal treatment of all nationals affected by terrorism.
Israel has been facing ongoing assaults with rockets, missiles, and drones from Lebanese territory, as Hezbollah takes an active role in the conflict. This violent exchange has been relentless since October 7, leading to numerous fatalities in the Gaza Strip.
India, too, has voiced concern over the civilian casualties, especially women and children, with its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, strongly condemning the loss of life. India remains committed to a peaceful resolution and supports a two-state solution whereby Palestinians live freely in an independent state with Israel’s security needs also being met.
Reactions from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to the attacks have involved artillery strikes on the launch site and targeting Hezbollah compounds in retaliation. The IDF’s operations reflect its ongoing defense strategy in response to Hezbollah’s aggression, which claims to be in solidarity with Gaza.
The deaths and injuries of foreign workers in such conflicts bring to light the broader humanitarian issues at stake. As countries around the world observe and react to the developments, the global community is reminded of the dire consequences of war and the urgency for diplomatic solutions to protect innocent lives.