Israeli Embassy in India expresses ‘deep shock’ at death of Keralite in missile attack

One Indian national was killed and two others were injured on Monday when an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon struck an orchard near Israel's northern border community of Margaliot, officials said.

The Israeli army uses white phosphorus to create a smoke screen in Lebanon, as seen from Israel’s border with Lebanon in northern Israel, March 4, 2024. REUTERS

The Israeli Embassy in India on Tuesday expressed “deep shock” and “sadness” at the death of an Indian national in northern Israel in an alleged terror attack.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to 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,” the embassy wrote in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).

One Indian national was killed and two others were injured on Monday when an anti-tank missile allegedly fired from Lebanon struck an orchard near Israel’s northern border community of Margaliot, officials said. All three victims hailed from Kerala.

It added that the injured are being treated by the country’s “best medical staff”. It pledged to provide all assistance to the families of those affected.

“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. We will be there to support the families and offer them assistance,” it said.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Shia Terror organization Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot…

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) March 5, 2024

“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.

The deceased has been identified as Patnibin Maxwell. He was a resident of Kollam district. His mortal remains were identified in Ziv hospital, official sources told PTI.

The injured have been identified as Bush-Joseph George and Paul Melvin. George was taken to the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva after suffering injuries on his face and body, where he underwent an operation. He is recovering well and has been kept under observation. He could speak with his family in India, an official source told PTI.

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Melvin, who hails from Idukki district, was lightly injured in the attack and is currently admitted to the Ziv Hospital in Safed.

According to Zaki Heller, spokesperson for rescue services Magen David Adom (MDA), a total of seven foreign workers were injured in the attack, news agency PTI said.

Israel has accused the Shi’ite Hezbollah faction in Lebanon of launching rockets, missiles, and drones towards the northern parts of the Jewish nation since October 8 in support of Hamas amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

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