Israel: In a tragic turn of events, an anti-tank missile launched from Lebanon struck an orchard near Margaliot, a community on Israel’s northern border. The incident occurred around 11 am on Monday, hitting a plantation in the Galilee region. The victims, all hailing from Kerala, India, faced the brunt of this attack.

Fatalities and Injuries

Patnibin Maxwell from Kollam, Kerala, lost his life in the attack, his body identified at Ziv Hospital. On the other hand, Bush Joseph George and Paul Melvin sustained injuries and were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment. George, with injuries to his face and body, underwent successful surgery at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. Melvin, with minor injuries, is receiving medical attention at Ziv Hospital in Safed.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one Indian national and the injury of two others due to a cowardly terror attack launched by Shia Terror organization Hezbollah, on peaceful agriculture workers who were cultivating an orchard at the northern village of Margaliot…

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) March 5, 2024

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International Casualties and Hezbollah’s Alleged Role

Reports indicate that seven foreign workers, including the three Indians, were injured in the attack. Hezbollah, the Shi’ite faction in Lebanon, is suspected of orchestrating the assault. The group has been launching frequent attacks on northern Israel since October 8, supporting Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Response and Ongoing Conflict

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly retaliated by shelling the launch site with artillery. Additionally, IDF targeted a Hezbollah compound in Chihine and another site in Ayta ash-Shab, both in southern Lebanon. The skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah have resulted in casualties on both sides, with seven civilians and 10 IDF soldiers losing their lives in Israel. Hezbollah claims 229 members killed by Israel during recent flare-ups, mostly in Lebanon and some in Syria. The conflict has also taken a toll on other groups’ operatives, a Lebanese soldier, and numerous civilians since October 8. The situation remains tense as hostilities persist in the region.

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