In a recent development, ten Indian construction workers who had been missing for over a month in the West Bank village of al-Zaayem have been successfully rescued by Israeli authorities. These workers were reportedly lured to the area with promises of employment, only to have their passports confiscated upon arrival. Their captors allegedly attempted to use these passports to cross into Israel, exploiting them for unauthorized entry.

The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the Justice Ministry. Conducted overnight, the mission aimed to safely extract the workers from their confinement and address the fraudulent activities associated with their abduction. Following their rescue, the workers were relocated to a secure location while authorities assessed their employment status and initiated investigations into the passport misuse.

The Indian embassy in Israel confirmed the successful rescue, stating that they are in contact with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the rescued individuals. This incident highlights the risks faced by migrant workers and underscores the importance of vigilant regulatory measures to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.