A video grab released by an Israeli broadcaster shows a group of attackers in a public place in Ashkelon assaulting at least two Indian workers, while coordinating more attacks through WhatsApp messages.

The southern Israeli city of Ashkelon is about 50 km from Tel Aviv, and only 13 km to Gaza.

The attack, which is termed ‘targeted and racially motivated’, has occurred in the backdrop of India’s decision to not join over 80 countries, criticising Israeli settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank in a signed statement at the United Nations.

The attackers had coordinated the assault with precision, targeting only the Indian workers in the neighbourhood. The premeditated attacks were carried out in broad daylight.

However, it was not clear when the incident had taken place though the video was released on February 16.

It is to be noted that the presence of Indian workers in Israel had increased since October 2023 with Israel suspending the work permits for thousands of Palestinian labourers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to visit Israel soon. Though India officially supports a two-state solution, it has kept away from several UN resolutions critical of Israel. – editor@nrifocus.com