Dozens of Indian construction workers departed for Israel this week as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues. Israel is facing a labor shortage after banning tens of thousands of Palestinian workers following a deadly attack by Hamas. Approximately 18,000 Indians are currently employed in Israel, mostly in caregiving roles. The Indian workers leaving this week are going under an agreement signed before the hostilities broke out.
The first batch of Indian workers to leave for Israel are under an agreement signed by both countries before the escalation of the conflict. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the safety and well-being of the workers are a priority. Israel has been dealing with a labor shortage since barring Palestinian workers after the attack by Hamas that sparked the ongoing war. The Indian workers leaving for Israel are part of an agreement signed during a visit to India by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
The initial batch of construction workers to leave for Israel departed this week, with the Israeli ambassador to India sharing images of a send-off ceremony for the group on social media. In January, thousands of Indian laborers had gathered at government recruitment centers in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana looking for opportunities to work in Israel. While India has condemned the Hamas attack on Israel, it has also voted in favor of a U.N. General Assembly resolution calling for a ceasefire and has expressed support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a labor shortage in Israel, leading to the departure of Indian workers to fill roles in construction and caregiving. The Indian workers leaving for Israel this week are part of an agreement signed between the two countries before the outbreak of hostilities. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal has stressed the importance of the safety and well-being of the workers, urging Israeli authorities to take care of them.
18,000 Indians are currently employed in Israel, primarily in caregiving roles, with plans for more Indian workers to take up jobs in construction and nursing. The departure of Indian workers to Israel comes as India has shown support for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as advocating for a two-state solution. The ongoing conflict has led to increased tensions in the region, with India offering support to both sides while prioritizing the safety of its workers in Israel.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, the departure of Indian workers to Israel highlights the ongoing labor shortage in the country. Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, the Indian government has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of its workers in Israel. With thousands of Indian workers already employed in Israel, the departure of additional workers highlights the ongoing partnership between the two countries in the face of conflict and uncertainty in the region.
