Seven more Odias stuck in Israel return home, recount war horror

Seven more persons from Odisha, who were stuck in war-hit Israel, have returned home safely. Traumatised with the experience of missile attacks, rocket fires, raid sirens and screams ringing loud in their ears, they were glad to be back home from Israel.

 “We could not sleep due to the missile attacks and were under constant threat of infiltration by the Hamas terrorists. We had to hide under shelter homes to protect ourselves,” recalled K. Bishal after landing at Bhubaneswar airport.

The Israel returnees also shared how the nightmarish experience of the past few days still haunts them.

Another returnee recalled the horror and said, “It was a panic situation. We were terrified every time there were sounds of sirens, rockets, and missiles. We are extremely thankful to the Odisha government and the Modi government for rescuing us.”

“Normal life has been paused. People are scared and angry. I was not sure the Indian government would evacuate us. But, I am glad the government launched Operation Ajay and is bringing back every Indian,” said another returnee.

All the seven Odias were brought back to the country under Operation Ajay launched by the Centre. India launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of those who wish to come back home as a series of brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants over the weekend triggered fresh tension in the region.