Indian workers attacked in southern Israel
Attack in Ashkelon described as racially motivated, raising questions over safety of Indian laborers recruited during Gaza genocide
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — At least two Indian nationals were assaulted in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon in what Israel’s public broadcaster Kan described as a premeditated and racially motivated attack, according to footage aired this week.
Ashkelon lies roughly 30 miles south of Tel Aviv and close to the Gaza Strip.
Video broadcast by Kan shows two men being beaten by a group of attackers in what appears to be a public park. Hebrew captions accompanying the report described the assault as an ambush coordinated through WhatsApp messages.
The broadcaster characterized the attack as being driven by “racism and malice.” It was not immediately clear when the incident occurred, though the report aired on Feb. 16.
The attack comes at a time when Indian workers have been traveling to Israel in greater numbers. Following the Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Israel’s suspension of work permits for thousands of Palestinian laborers, Israeli authorities sought foreign workers to address labor shortages in construction and agriculture.
India emerged as a major source of replacement labor under recruitment arrangements facilitated through official channels. The Narendra Modi government has significantly expanded strategic ties with Israel over the past decade, deepening cooperation in defense, surveillance technology, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Since the start of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, segments of India’s political right have publicly expressed strong support for Israel, and often mocked the palestinian victims of genocide.
That public alignment has contrasted with criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups who have urged greater attention to humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
The assault in Ashkelon has now prompted political reaction in India. Opposition party Congress’ spokesperson Pawan Khera urged the external affairs ministry to urgently investigate the matter and ensure medical care for the victims. He questioned whether the safety of Indian nationals would be raised during upcoming high-level diplomatic engagements.
Labor organizations have also raised concerns. The All India Trade Union Congress previously criticized the overseas recruitment drive, arguing that sending workers into a conflict-affected region exposed them to heightened risk and reflected domestic employment pressures.
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