Kerala Man's death in Israel Leaves Pregnant Wife

5-Year-Old Daughter Left Behind After Kerala Man's Death

A 31-year-old man from Kollam, India, was tragically killed in a missile strike near the Israel-Lebanon border, just two months after leaving his home. His departure was marked by a poignant farewell from his five-year-old daughter and pregnant wife, unaware it would be their last goodbye.

Pat Nibin Maxwell lost his life in a missile strike near an orchard in Margaliot, northern Israel, and yesterday. Two other individuals from Kerala, Paul Melvin and Bush Joseph George, both hailing from Idukki, sustained injuries in the same attack and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Israel.

The Israel embassy in India has strongly denounced the "cowardly terror attack" carried out by the Hezbollah organization on peaceful agricultural workers tending to an orchard. Naor Gilon, Israel's ambassador to India, personally reached out to Maxwell's brother, offering reassurance and promising all necessary assistance during this difficult time.

Pathrose, Nibin's father, revealed that the 31-year-old had followed his elder brother's footsteps to Israel. "He had previously worked in Muscat and Dubai before returning home. Then, he decided to go to Israel. Initially, it was my elder son who went there. A week later, my younger son followed," Pathrose explained.

Pathrose Maxwell recounted receiving the heartbreaking news from his daughter-in-law. "She called me around 4:30 pm on Monday and informed me that Nibin had been injured in the attack and was hospitalized. Later, around 12:45 am, we received the devastating news of his passing," Pathrose shared.

The grieving father mentioned that Nibin leaves behind a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, while his wife is seven months pregnant with their second child.

It's anticipated that Nibin's body will be repatriated to Kerala in four days, following the completion of paperwork and formalities.

The Indian embassy in Israel has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals, particularly those in border areas in the north and south, to relocate to safe areas within Israel due to the ongoing security situation and local safety advisories. The embassy is in communication with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.

The Hezbollah, a Shia faction, has been launching rocket strikes and drone attacks in northern Israel in support of Hamas since the beginning of the conflict.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has persisted for nearly five months following the attacks on Israeli cities on October 7. Tel Aviv's retaliatory actions have resulted in thousands of casualties in the Gaza Strip. New Delhi has expressed deep concern over the conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis.