Israeli nationals advised to steer clear of crowded places in India after embassy blast

| Updated: 27 December, 2023 12:34 pm IST
Security personnel are present at the location where an explosion occurred near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Israeli authorities have issued a warning to its citizens in India following a low-intensity blast near its Embassy in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

The advisory from Israel’s National Security Council urges citizens to avoid public places and crowded events in the wake of the incident.

The blast occurred on Tuesday evening, prompting a heightened alert in the national capital. However, no injuries or property damage was reported.

During a thorough security search, a letter referencing Israel’s actions in Palestine was discovered at the site. Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Limor Bletter, assured that all diplomats were safe, with its security team collaborating with Indian agencies for the probe.

The advisory, communicated in Hebrew, speculates on the possibility of the blast being an intentional attack. Israeli citizens have been specifically warned to avoid crowded locations, particularly those frequented by Western, or Jewish elements.

It stresses heightened vigilance in public spaces such as restaurants, hotels, and bars, coupled with a recommendation against displaying Israeli symbols. Additionally, nationals of the Hebrew state have been cautioned against participating in events deemed unsafe. Further, they advised against sharing trip details on social media platforms.

Preliminary investigations suggest a “high-intensity cracker blast” in a wooded area near the Israeli embassy. The typed letter found at the site, touching on Israel’s actions in Palestine, adds a layer of complexity to the incident.

Significantly, this incident takes place amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, initiated by terror attacks on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths. Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza has led to nearly 21,000 deaths and approximately 55,000 injuries.

This incident follows a pattern, reminiscent of a low-intensity blast outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi in January 2021, causing damage but no casualties. On the other hand, in February 2012, an unidentified motorcyclist had placed a “sticky bomb” on an Israel Embassy car, resulting in injuries to an official and the vehicle’s driver.

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