A former Israeli soldier Malki said that he waits for his son, Omar Shemtov -- including all those kidnapped by Hamas -- to return back safely and soon.
“We were happy and a peaceful family when all of this happened, suddenly. Omar along with few of his friends had gone to attend the world famous Nova Music Festival at the Gaza border,” Malki told IANS.
He said that Omar had called from the venue and said that gunmen had swarmed the festival venue.
“Omar was in panic but he told me that he had located his car and was boarding it along with two friends. I told him to open the location map and return home immediately,” Malki told IANS at Tel Aviv Museum Square Tower.
Malki, who has shifted to his private-business, said Omar was unable to escape from the venue and gunmen had caught and kidnapped Omar along with his friends.
He said that he came to know about the kidnap after a friend called him and informed him that Omar has been taken hostage.
Omar’s handcuffed photograph was released by Hamas.
The 52-year-old Malki -- which means ‘My King’ in Hebrew -- said that he just wants his son and others to come back home.
He also called upon the international community to put pressure on Hamas to release Omar and other hostages.
Govt justifies deportation from US, cites diplomatic obligation
Calling for a focus on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday reiterated the universal obligation for countries to repatriate their nationals found living abroad illegally.
Saved from penal action, repatriated safely — how have things changed drastically for illegal Indian immigrants since 2014
Making a statement in Parliament, the EAM urged that the focus should instead remain on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry as the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years.
Emergency was aimed to pamper arrogance of Congress' royal family: PM Modi
Replying in Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, PM Modi highlighted how the Congress government during the 'Emergency' persecuted singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni who refused to support it during that dark phase.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.