An Indian national from Kerala was killed while two others sustained injuries after an anti-tank missile reportedly launched from Lebanon hit an orchard near Israel's northern border community of Margaliot on Monday, March 4.
According to a spokesperson of Israel’s national emergency services Magen David Adom (MDA), as reported by PTI, the victims were all from Kerala. The deceased was identified as Nibil Maxwell from Kollam.
Speaking to The Indian Express, a relative of the deceased said that Nibil had told his father about the tense situation in the region. “He said they were planning to move to another location. The missile attack happened later that evening,” he added.
The injured Keralities were identified as Bush Joseph George and Paul Melvin. George, who suffered facial and body injuries, was taken to Beilinson hospital in Petah Tikva. Melvin, from Idukki district, received treatment at Ziv Hospital in Safed city, northern Israel.
The MDA said seven injured migrant workers were injured and were transported to Beilinson, Rambam, and Ziv hospitals via ambulances and Israeli Air Force helicopters. According to media reports, the attack was carried out by the Shia Hezbollah faction in Lebanon.
Following the death, the Indian Embassy in Israel advised Indian nationals to relocate to safer areas within Israel. “In view of the prevailing security situation and local safety advisories, all Indian 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,” a social media post read.