Nibin Maxwell Killed in Hezbollah Missile Attack: First Indian Death Near Israel-Lebanon Border in Years

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 5 (IANS): Shock and sadness engulfed the Indian community as news broke of a missile attack by the Hezbollah militant group in Margaliot, Israel, resulting in the tragic death of one Indian worker and injuring two others. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, marked the first reported fatality of an Indian near Israel’s border with Lebanon in several years.

The deceased was identified as Nibin Maxwell, a 31-year-old resident of Vady in Kerala’s Kollam district. Along with Maxwell, seven others sustained grievous injuries in the rocket attack. Among the injured were Joseph George and Paul Melvin, both hailing from Kerala.

According to Maxwell’s father, the victim had departed for Israel in January, where his elder brother Nivin was also employed. The family received the devastating news of Maxwell’s demise around midnight on Monday. Kerala Police sources indicated that the body is expected to be repatriated to Kerala within four days.

Maxwell leaves behind his pregnant wife and a five-year-old daughter, adding to the tragedy. The Embassy of Israel in India expressed deep sorrow over the incident, denouncing the cowardly terror attack by Hezbollah. The statement from the Embassy conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, ensuring that the injured receive top-notch medical care from Israeli medical institutions.

Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, around 18,000 Indians continue to reside in Israel, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The advisory issued in October prompted India to undertake several evacuation missions, which were later paused. In a bid to address the labor shortage caused by the conflict, Israel suspended work permits for thousands of Palestinians, creating opportunities for foreign workers.

India and Israel had signed an agreement in May 2023 to integrate 42,000 Indian workers into the Israeli economy, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. The tragic loss of Nibin Maxwell serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by Indian workers abroad and the need for enhanced safety measures in conflict zones.