India sounds alert for nationals in Israel, warns against unnecessary travel

India has issued a fresh safety advisory for its citizens in Israel as violence escalated in Gaza, even as the United States announced progress towards the second phase of a ceasefire framework aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Embassy of India in Israel urged all Indian nationals in the country to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. Citizens were also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel amid what the advisory described as the “prevailing situation” in the region.

In case of emergency, Indian nationals have been asked to contact the embassy’s 24×7 helpline at +972-54-7520711 or +972-54-3278392, or email cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim al-Khalili said a “senior figure of the Qassam Brigades” had been killed, adding that the strike signalled Israel’s intent to shape the second phase of the ceasefire “on its terms”.

The Israeli military later confirmed that one of those killed was Muhammad al-Hawli, whom it identified as a commander in the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.

The renewed attacks have fuelled panic among residents, many of whom had hoped the second phase of the ceasefire would bring increased humanitarian aid and the reopening of border crossings. Instead, residents reported drones hovering at low altitude, spreading fear among already traumatised communities.

For hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, the humanitarian situation remains bleak, with the latest violence casting doubt on any immediate easing of conditions on the ground.

Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions are currently in Cairo for talks focused on the second phase. Witkoff said the plan envisages the disarmament of “unauthorised personnel” and the deployment of an international stabilisation force to secure Gaza and train Palestinian police.

A new technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, has been established to manage day-to-day governance. Former Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaath has been appointed to lead the committee, which is meeting in Egypt ahead of its proposed entry into Gaza.

Phase one of the framework had mandated a halt in fighting, a freeze in frontlines, and the exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.

However, major uncertainties remain over the second phase, including funding for Gaza’s reconstruction, the extent and timing of Israeli military withdrawal, and the scale of humanitarian access.

The advisory reflects growing unease among governments worldwide over the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the risks posed by renewed escalation on the ground.