Fear grips Nepali workers as conflict escalates in Middle East

KATHMANDU: Nepali workers in Iran, Israel, and Lebanon are spending sleepless nights as conflict escalates in the Middle East. Those working in Israel and Lebanon say they are hiding in bunkers and underground shelters to save their lives since the war began.

Iran launched an attack on Israel on Tuesday evening.

Kavita Kshetri from Char Ali of Jhapa, who is working at a house in Tel Aviv, has been spending nights in a bunker. She told Himal Press over Facebook Messenger that a missile exploded in the sky right after she reached the bunker. “I was not as scared when Hamas attacked Israel last October. But Tuesday’s attack was more frightening,” Kshetri said. “If such attacks continue, we might not survive.” Kshetri appealed to the government to do the needful for their repatriation to Nepal.

The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, including 10 Nepalis.

Sabita Thapa from Dhading, who is working as a caregiver near the Israeli capital, said she saw missiles fill the sky on Tuesday. “The sound of missiles from Iran was different compared to those on October 7. The house shook when missiles hit the ground. People in the city were screaming. Our employer and his grandson fainted,” she said.

Nepali workers in Israel say Iran’s attack is more frightening than the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. Iran began its attack on Israel after Israel intensified its offensive against Hezbollah, killing Hezbollah and Hamas military officials over the past two weeks.

According to the BBC, missiles were launched from Tehran, Iran, about 1,600 kilometers from Tel Aviv. Iranian media has claimed that Tehran used a new missile called ‘Fatah-1’ on Tuesday.

An estimated 5,000 Nepalis, mostly women, are working as caregivers in Israel, according to the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security. Nepali students also go to Israel to learn and work in agriculture. Some students returned home after last year’s Hamas attack. Israel has not brought new workers from Nepal for its agricultural sector since then. However, some Nepalis have reached Israel via India.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging Nepalis in Lebanon to exercise maximum caution. The government has not been able to openly state the condition of workers there.

According to the ministry, all Nepalis in Lebanon are safe so far. Amrit Kumar Rai, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed that no Nepalis in Israel have been reported to be in trouble. “Nepalis in Israel and Lebanon are safe. Discussions are ongoing about rescue if problems arise,” he said.

The ministry has urged Nepalis in Israel and Lebanon to contact Deepak Ghimire in Cairo, Egypt, via WhatsApp at +20107772348, Mohammad Gozayal in Beirut at +961330118, +96171688821, and +96181883713, and Shri Krishna Silwal, a section officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at +9849179520 for assistance.

Shri Krishna Bhandari, president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Israel, said that Nepali workers in Israel are living in fear following Iran’s missile attack. “Although Nepalis are safe, they are living in fear. Last year, when Hamas launched an unexpected attack, Israel’s security system failed. We can’t rely on Israel’s assurance of security anymore,” he added.