AGRA: Israeli nationals, who are visiting the sacred cities of Vrindavan and Mathura, are quietly being provided with "cover" by UP police and intelligence sleuths. Security agencies are keeping a close watch on the devotees of Lord Krishna from Israel and their movements to ensure their safety following the recent developments in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas surprise terror attack on the Jewish nation. "There are seven citizens from Israel who are in Vrindavan on tourist visas. We are in regular touch with them. Necessary arrangements have been made to ensure their safety and well-being. A report in this regard has been sent to the state government," superintendent of police (city) Martand Prakash Singh said.While the police refused to divulge details about the Israeli tourists, TOI spoke to some of them on Wednesday. Acknowledging the fact that senior officials from the state police have contacted them, a 54-year-old yoga teacher said, "We have been asked to stay together and to keep our movements private. Cops asked us not to discuss what is happening in our country with any unknown person or post anything related to it on social media. Representatives of ISKCON are also helping us...The war is not going to end anytime soon. We might have to get our visa extended." A 25-year-old singer from Tel Aviv spoke about the anxiety and challenges they are facing in connecting with family and friends back in Israel due to mobile network disruptions. "We are constantly looking for updates on social media regarding our near and dear ones and our country. One of my friends has been missing for the last four days," she said.Though flight operations to Israel remain suspended, the singer, who underwent two years of defence training, expressed her desire to return to Israel and rejoin her military unit. The singers 57-year-old father said, "We came here for spiritual enrichment. But the attack on our homeland has ruined our journey. Hundreds of our people have died...Like any other Israeli, we are ready to make any sacrifice to protect our nation." Expressing unhappiness at his countrys political and military leadership for the attack, a 39-year-old photographer and filmmaker said, "This is the biggest attack on Israeli territory. We are shaken to the core. There is outrage at Hamas. But there is also an outrage at the political and military leadership that allowed this to happen." He added: "You would expect a state this strong to prevent such things, yet 75 years after Israels creation, the government has failed in its principal responsibility: the protection of the lives of its citizens."

Stay updated with all the Agra Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.