Israel-Hamas Conflict: Missile Attack in Israel Claims Life of Indian National, Injures Two Others

Jerusalem: A missile attack near Israel's northern border community of Margaliot resulted in the tragic death of an Indian national and left two others injured on Monday. The incident occurred when an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon struck an orchard in the Galilee region. 

The victims, all hailing from the southern state of Kerala, were identified as Patnibin Maxwell, who lost his life, and Bush Joseph George and Paul Melvin, who sustained injuries.

Patnibin Maxwell, a resident of Kollam in Kerala, was identified at Ziv Hospital, where his body was taken. 

Bush Joseph George, facing injuries to his face and body, underwent a successful operation at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. He is currently in stable condition and has been in contact with his family in India. 

Paul Melvin, from the Idukki district of Kerala, suffered minor injuries and is receiving treatment at Ziv Hospital in Safed.

Attack believed to be the work of Shi'ite Hezbollah faction in Lebanon

Magen David Adom (MDA) initially reported one foreign worker killed and seven injured in the attack, with two in critical condition. The incident is believed to be the work of the Shi'ite Hezbollah faction in Lebanon, which has been launching attacks on northern Israel in support of Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

MDA transported the injured foreign workers, including George and Melvin, to Beilinson, Rambam, and Ziv hospitals using ambulances and Israeli Air Force helicopters. In response to the missile attack, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shelled the launch site with artillery. Additionally, IDF targeted a Hezbollah compound in the southern Lebanon town of Chihine and another site in Ayta ash-Shab.

Hezbollah's attacks on Israel's northern communities and military posts, ongoing since October 8, have resulted in casualties on both sides. Seven civilians and 10 IDF soldiers have lost their lives in the skirmishes, with Hezbollah reporting 229 members killed by Israel during recent flare-ups. 

The conflict has also claimed the lives of 37 operatives from other groups, a Lebanese soldier, and at least 30 civilians since October 8.