A group of Odisha students studying in Israel has safely returned to India amid the ongoing conflict in the region. After facing days of anxiety and living under the constant threat of rocket attacks and air raid sirens, the students landed in New Delhi on Tuesday and shared their terrifying experiences from the war zone.

The students, who were enrolled in various Israeli universities and research institutions, were evacuated as part of the Indian government’s emergency repatriation efforts. Upon arrival, many of them expressed relief, but also recounted the psychological trauma of being in a war-torn environment.

“When we were on board the flight yesterday from Jordan and Kuwait, we saw missiles coming from the Iranian side and interceptors. Israel is really safe, as there are bunkers. We initially thought it was some sort of light, then realised it was a missile,” said an Odia student studying at Tel Aviv University.

On Sunday, a missile landed near the university. No major damage was caused, she added.