It is estimated that there are 5 to 7 thousand Nepalis in Israel. With the Israel-Iran war raging, a conversation with the Nepalese ambassador in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, regarding the situation of Nepalis there, security and rescue:

The Israel-Iran war has been waged. You are in Tel Aviv. What is the situation there? The

situation is not good. Missiles are falling continuously. We were sitting inside the bunker. It was as if our house had collapsed. While it fell 6-7 kilometers away.

It's been 6 months since I came here. I am facing war for the first time in my life. People are afraid. Schools/markets are closed. The airport is closed. The road is deserted. Even the watercraft does not run. There were millions of people on the beach. Now there is no one.

Current routine is entering and exiting the bunker 8-10 times. The first sign of danger comes from mobile phones. When everyone's cell phones started ringing simultaneously, it should be understood if a missile came within Israel's borders. Soon after, a siren sounds louder than the sound of an ambulance. You have to reach inside the bunker within 90 seconds of the siren. Wherever he is, he should follow the security protocol and reach the bunker.

Many modern houses have bunkers built on every floor. Strong bunkers have been built using special technology to stay safe in case of emergency. Our embassy is on the 14th floor. There is a bunker that can hold 30/40 people on the same floor. There is a small bunker in the residence where I live. There is no house here without a bunker.

Every house, restaurant, office or hotel has a bunker. People on the streets can go to bunkers in nearby houses or restaurants. If nothing else, there is a safety protocol to keep your head on the road. Israel's iron drones have been destroying missiles that have entered its borders. Missiles that are not destroyed cause damage.

How many Nepalis are there in Israel? What is their security situation?

There are eight people including one local in the embassy. There is no reliable data for other Nepalis. It is estimated that there are 5 to 7 thousand Nepalis. The number of people who came for employment is 2000 with the agreement between the government and the government. The number of people who first lived in Israel and after receiving training here came to Nepal and came back to work is 350. They are working in agriculture sector. Similarly, 15 people are studying in different colleges. There are those who have been living there for 19-20 years. Some are staying at home. It is estimated that such a number is 5/7 hundred. Most of the Nepalis here work as caretakers.

What is their security status?

So far, everyone is safe. However, everyone is terrified. Newcomers are more scared. The old ones also said that the tension is more this time. The embassy has asked to follow security protocols. We are asking you to stay around the place where there is a safe shelter facility. A 24-hour hotline phone has been arranged for Nepalis.

How many Nepalis who want to return to Nepal and ask for rescue have come in contact?

Nepali community has 18 institutions. We are in constant contact with all of them. So far there has been no demand for rescue from anywhere. Nagesh Koirala, head of Biratnagar metropolis, had come on the invitation of the government here. Since the airport is closed, arrangements have been made to send him to Nepal via Jordan today (Tuesday). He has also been sent to Jordan along with 19 Indians. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here coordinated for that. Tomorrow evening, he will reach Mumbai from there via Kuwait and reach Nepal from there. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached the border of Jordan. Another doctor, who came here for fellowship, has been asking about rescue arrangements by email. Necessary facilitation will be done after establishing contact with him.

How much contact is there with the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Only two days ago, the foreign minister had a meeting with all the ambassadors. He said that the opening of the airport is now uncertain. In case of emergency, they have informed that they can go out of the way of Egypt or Jordan.

Is it easy to get off the highway?

is not easy. First you have to enter Jordan or Egypt. Online visa is not opening. Visa application and approval may take time. The land route is only open to one. It will take 2 and a half hours to reach the border of Jordan and 3 and a half hours to reach the capital of Jordan from there. It will also take time as the pressure of emigrants has increased in the border area.