The tragic incident When Indian Man Shot Dead While Crossing into Israel by Jordanian soldiers has sent shockwaves across India and the region. The deceased, identified as Thomas Gabriel Perera, was reportedly attempting to cross into Israel illegally when he was shot.
The unfortunate event has drawn attention to the growing risks and geopolitical complexities in the region, particularly amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and increasing violence in the West Bank.
The Indian Embassy in Jordan has confirmed Thomas Gabriel Perera’s death and is coordinating with Jordanian authorities for the transportation of his mortal remains to India. This incident highlights the perils of illegal border crossings and the broader implications of regional instability.
The Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath
On February 10, 2025, Thomas Gabriel Perera, a resident of Thumba in Kerala, embarked on a perilous journey that would ultimately cost him his life.
After arriving in Jordan on a visitor visa, Thomas Gabriel Perera, along with his relative Edison from Menamkulam, attempted to enter Israel through an unauthorized route. The reasons for their attempt to cross the border illegally remain unclear, but the act resulted in a deadly confrontation with Jordanian border security forces.
As the two men approached the border, Jordanian soldiers opened fire, fatally shooting Perera. His companion, Edison, was also hit but survived the gunfire. He was subsequently treated for his injuries and repatriated to India.
The Indian Embassy in Jordan was promptly informed about the incident and has since been in touch with Perera’s family, providing assistance in repatriating his body. The incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized border crossings in regions fraught with military tensions and strict security measures.
The Geopolitical Context and Rising Border Tensions
The unfortunate death of Thomas Gabriel Perera occurred at a time of heightened tensions in the region. The Israel-Hamas war has fueled violence in the West Bank and surrounding areas, leading to increased security measures along borders.
Jordan, which shares a long and heavily monitored border with Israel, has historically acted as a buffer zone in regional conflicts. However, given the ongoing crisis, border control has become even more stringent, making unauthorized crossings highly perilous.
The Jordan-Israel border is one of the most secure and closely monitored frontiers in the Middle East. Jordanian authorities have been on high alert due to concerns about infiltration attempts, arms smuggling, and unauthorized movement of individuals amid the ongoing war.
The Embassy has learnt of the sad demise of an Indian national in unfortunate circumstances. The Embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased and is working closely with Jordanian authorities for transportation of mortal remains of the deceased. @MEAIndia
— India in Jordan (@IndiainJordan) March 2, 2025
Against this backdrop, the shooting incident involving Thomas Gabriel Perera and Edison is not entirely surprising, although it remains a tragic consequence of the volatile situation in the region.
India maintains strong diplomatic ties with both Israel and Jordan, and this incident puts Indian authorities in a delicate position. The Indian government has maintained a neutral stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict while continuing to support its citizens abroad.
The response from the Indian Embassy in Jordan suggests that authorities are treating the matter as an unfortunate tragedy rather than a diplomatic dispute. However, the Indian government may seek further clarification from Jordanian authorities regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
The Human Cost and the Perils of Illegal Crossings
The death of Thomas Gabriel Perera is a stark reminder of the human cost associated with illegal border crossings, particularly in conflict-ridden regions.
Many individuals risk their lives in search of better opportunities, refuge, or religious and personal reasons, often underestimating the dangers involved. The Middle East, with its complex geopolitics and security concerns, presents additional risks for unauthorized migrants.
Several factors could have motivated Perera and Edison to attempt the illegal crossing. Some individuals attempt such crossings for employment opportunities, religious pilgrimages, or personal reasons. However, given the current state of affairs in Israel and its neighboring regions, any unauthorized movement is met with severe repercussions.
Similar incidents have occurred in various parts of the world, where individuals attempting to enter a country illegally have faced extreme consequences, including arrests, deportation, and, in tragic cases like this, death.
Governments across the world, including India, regularly issue advisories cautioning citizens against engaging in unauthorized travel, particularly in high-risk areas. Yet, many continue to take such risks, often misled by false promises, desperation, or a lack of awareness about the dangers involved.
The Indian government, in response to this incident, may take steps to raise awareness about the risks associated with unauthorized border crossings.
This could include outreach campaigns, stricter enforcement of travel guidelines, and coordination with foreign governments to prevent such occurrences in the future. Families of individuals planning unauthorized travel should also be educated about the potential consequences so they can discourage such actions.
The tragic death of Thomas Gabriel Perera serves as a grim warning about the perils of illegal border crossings in conflict zones. With increasing security concerns in the Middle East, attempting unauthorized travel across borders is more dangerous than ever.
The response from the Indian Embassy in Jordan and the efforts to repatriate Perera’s mortal remains highlight the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad. However, this incident should also serve as a moment of reflection on the risks individuals take in pursuit of their personal goals, often underestimating the severe consequences.
The broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to evolve, with tensions in Israel and its neighboring regions making border security a top priority for countries like Jordan. As long as conflicts persist, security forces will remain on high alert, and unauthorized crossings will be met with force.
Moving forward, governments, including India’s, must work to educate citizens about legal travel routes and the dangers of illegal crossings. This tragic loss should not be in vain but should instead serve as a lesson for others who might consider similar risks.
While Thomas Gabriel Perera’s family grieves his loss, the incident also calls for greater awareness and caution among travelers, particularly in regions of heightened military presence. Diplomacy and cooperation between nations will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals and preventing such tragedies in the future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏