On April 30, wildfires erupted on the outskirts of Jerusalem, causing significant disruption including evacuations and the closure of a key highway. The fires, visible along Route 1 linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, forced residents to flee their vehicles as thick smoke enveloped the area. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Italy and Croatia would send three firefighting planes to assist combatting the blazes, with additional requests for help directed at Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that approximately 120 fire and rescue teams had been mobilized, utilizing various aircraft and helicopters in their efforts to control the situation. The military was also involved, providing search and rescue support. As a result of the fires, three communities were evacuated, and at least 13 individuals sustained injuries, though no fatalities were reported.
Notably, the outbreak of the fires coincided with Israel’s Memorial Day, a solemn occasion honoring fallen soldiers, leading to the cancellation of numerous ceremonies, including a significant state event planned in Jerusalem for Independence Day celebrations. The government’s appeal for international aid underscores the severity of the situation as the nation grapples with the ongoing threat posed by the wildfires.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
