In a major rescue operation, Israeli forces have freed ten Indian construction workers who were held hostage in a village in Palestine’s West Bank. The workers were trapped for nearly a month after their passports were taken away.
How the Workers Ended Up in the West Bank
According to reports from news agency PTI, the Indian workers were originally brought to Israel to work in the construction sector. However, they were later lured to the village of al-Zaayem in the West Bank under false pretenses. Once there, their passports were confiscated, making it impossible for them to leave.
Israeli Forces Rescue the Workers
The breakthrough came when Israeli forces stopped suspects at a checkpoint and uncovered the presence of the Indian workers. It is believed that the Palestinians holding the workers were using their passports to move across checkpoints into Israel.
The rescue mission was carried out overnight by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Justice Ministry. After being freed, the workers were moved to a safe location, where they will remain until their employment status is clarified.
India’s Response and Worker Safety Concerns
The Indian Embassy in Israel has stated that the case is under investigation. Indian officials have urged Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the rescued workers.
This incident comes at a time when Indian labor migration to Israel has increased. Over the past year, nearly 16,000 Indian workers have arrived in Israel to work in the construction industry. This shift happened after tens of thousands of Palestinian construction workers were barred from entering Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
