KATHMANDU: In response to the dire situation faced by Nepali citizens in conflict-torn Israel, the Nepalese government has initiated a move to evacuate Nepali citizens.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, along with Minister of Tourism Sudan Kirati, convened a meeting at Baluwatar today, instructing the heads of Civil Aviation Authority and Nepal Airlines to deploy an immediate rescue mission for Nepalis in Israel.
Prime Minister’s Press Adviser, Govinda Acharya, confirmed the commencement of the first phase of the operation, involving the dispatch of a Nepal Airlines plane to Israel.
The aircraft is poised to take off following the Prime Minister’s directives soon, most probably tonight.
The nature of such a mission requires securing permissions for flight operations and landing of charter aircraft.
The Nepalese government has already obtained the necessary approvals from Israel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collecting data from Nepali citizens who wish to return to their homeland.
In adherence to international safety protocols, the government is ensuring that all insurance and permit procedures are fulfilled, with necessary arrangements to be finalized in coordination with the United Arab Emirates.
Subsequently, the aircraft will be cleared for takeoff to Israel.
The urgency of this operation stems from a recent incident on Saturday when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched rocket attacks on various locations in Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 Nepali students and injuries to 4 others.
Furthermore, one Nepali national remains unaccounted for after the rebel group’s assault.
Among the affected individuals are 49 students pursuing studies in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Sudurpaschim University, part of the “Learning and Earning” program, who found themselves trapped in the conflict area due to the actions of Hamas.
While 32 of these students were rescued by the Israeli military and placed in Tel Aviv, they now seek assistance to return to Nepal, as the war in Israel continues with increased intensity, notably Israel’s operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
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