Indian man, Pat Nibin Maxwell, was tragically killed in a missile strike near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday. The attack, which targeted an orchard in northern Israel, also injured two other Kerala natives, Paul Melvin and Bush Joseph George.
Maxwell, who hailed from Kollam, Kerala, had only been in Israel for two months, leaving behind his pregnant wife and five-year-old daughter. His family received the devastating news in a phone call from his wife on Monday evening, learning of his initial injury and later, his passing.
«He was in Muscat and Dubai and then returned home,» Maxwell's father, Pathrose, recounted. «Then, he went to Israel. First my elder son went there. A week later, my younger son followed.»
Maxwell's wife is now seven months pregnant with their second child, adding to the weight of this tragedy for the young family.
The Israeli embassy in India condemned the attack, calling it a «cowardly terror attack.» Ambassador Naor Gilon has offered his condolences and support to Maxwell's family.
Following this incident, the Indian embassy issued an advisory urging Indian nationals, particularly those residing or visiting border areas, to relocate to safer regions within Israel.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed numerous lives on both sides, with this incident marking the first Indian casualty. New Delhi expressed deep concern over the situation and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
Maxwell's body is expected to be repatriated to Kerala within the next four days, pending