'Indian govt has helped us a lot': Ambassador Ron Malka on evacuation of Israeli nationals

Amid ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic, Israel, on Thursday, thanked it's loyal friend India for evacuating Israeli nationals during pan-India lockdown. Israel's Ambassor to India, Ron Malka, thanked Indian government for safely evacuating Israelis. 

"Today, we are evacuating 317 Israelis. On ar flight tomorrow, 200 more Israelis will be evacuated. Indian government has helped us a lot. I want to thank m," he stated while interacting with a news ncy. 

"Israel took dramatic measures from beginning when this crisis started. situation re is under control," envoy ded.

A crew member onboard flight to Israel stated that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and health of passengers. "We are t going to interact with passengers. We are just going to take m safely," he said.

Earlier in day, news ncy ANI h reported that Air India will evacuate over 300 Israeli nationals from New Delhi to Tel Aviv on Friday, amid coronavirus outbreak situation which has claimed over 18,000 lives globally. Boeing 777 AI-139 planes have been deployed for evacuation operation.

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India sees a rise in COVID-19 cases 

According to latest figure available on Thursday, India has so far reported 694 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, 14 people have so far died due to dely virus. 

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PM Modi anunces 21-day pan-India lockdown

Amid rising Coronavirus cases in India, PM Modi on Tuesday, anunced a 21-day lockdown throughout India starting at midnight on Tuesday. He said that 21 days were necessary for breaking transmission cycle of pandemic. 21-day curfew applies to all states, districts, and vills - irrespective of wher y are currently under curfew or t. 

"From midnight, across country, re will be countrywide lockdown in India. re will be a complete restriction of leaving out from residence. All districts, vills will be locked down. This is curfew only -a stricter curfew than Janta curfew. We have to bear ecomic consequences because of this. But to save every Indian's life at this time is my and government's responsibility," said PM Modi. 

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(With inputs from ANI)