Massive fires engulf thousands of acres near Jerusalem, and Israel seeks international support.
Jerusalem mountains are witnessing raging catastrophic fires for the second consecutive day, prompting Israeli authorities to evacuate thousands of settlers and call for urgent international aid.
Hebrew media reports indicated that more than 24,000 dunams of land have been engulfed by the fires, while firefighting teams are facing significant challenges in controlling the situation.
Firefighting Efforts and International Support
Israel has mobilized 120 firefighting teams and dozens of aircraft, but has not been able to contain the disaster. Hebrew Channel 12 reported that 8 international firefighting aircraft from Cyprus and Italy are on their way to support local efforts, in addition to 10 Israeli aircraft already in operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced expectations of receiving aid from Croatia and Italy, while the Israeli Foreign Ministry appealed to Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria for assistance.
Evacuation of Settlements and Human Losses
Israeli authorities forced the evacuation of 9 settlements, relocating over 10,000 settlers to safe areas.
The Commissioner of Fire and Rescue was injured by burns during the evacuation operations, as reported by Israeli media.
Train services between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem were suspended due to the fires approaching the railway lines.
Catastrophic Financial and Environmental Costs
Hebrew newspapers like "Yedioth Ahronoth" estimated that the reconstruction costs could reach millions of dollars, especially after vast areas of forests and agricultural lands were destroyed.
Experts also warned of long-term environmental consequences due to the loss of 19,600 dunams of vegetation cover and wildlife.
Suspected Arson
Israeli media reported that the police arrested 3 individuals on charges of deliberate arson, including a suspect who attempted to set fire to an agricultural area south of Jerusalem. Inflammable materials were found with him.
Cancellation of Official Events
The fires coincided with the Israeli Memorial Day, leading authorities to cancel "Independence Day" events, including a central celebration planned in Jerusalem.
Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital announced the resumption of its routine operations after assurances that the fires did not reach it. Firefighting teams are still operating in 11 locations around Jerusalem, amid fears of the fires spreading to residential areas.
