Kerala man shot dead in Jordan while trying to cross into Israel, had said to wife in last call 'pray for me'

Amman/New Delhi: A 47-year-old man from Kerala was reportedly shot dead at the Israel-Jordan border while attempting to enter Israel illegally on February 10. He had come to Jordan on a three-month tourist visa.

The Indian national, identified as Ani Thomas Gabriel, hails from Thiruvananthapuram's Thumba. He died of a bullet wound to the head, according to reports.

The Indian Embassy in a post on X said they are in touch with his family and working with the Jordanian authorities to repatriate the mortal remains to India.

“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.”

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

ANI quoted wife of Gabriel as saying, "Last time I received a call, he only spoke to me for 2 minutes. He just asked me to pray for him..."

Another person from Kerala, Edison, a relative of Gabriel, was shot in his leg, and was sent back to India after getting treatment at a Jordanian hospital.

According to reports, Gabriel and Edison were part of a four-member group attempting to cross the border from Jordan into Israel with the help of an agent. All four had arrived in Jordan on a three-month visit visa.

The group was intercepted by the Jordanian army at the border, but as they attempted to escape, the army opened fire at them. (Inputs from agencies)