Wildfires Near Jerusalem Prompt Evacuations and International Assistance

Israeli firefighting teams are battling wildfires for a second day in areas surrounding Jerusalem, Al Jazeera reports.

The fires, which initially broke out on Wednesday along the main Jerusalem – Tel Aviv highway, led to road closures and the evacuation of thousands of residents from nearby communities.

Israeli police reported the reopening of several major roads that had been closed due to the fires, including the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv route, after firefighting crews worked through the night.

Israel’s firefighting service reported that 163 ground crews and 12 aircraft are currently engaged in containing the flames. Rescue agency Magen David Adom stated that they treated 23 individuals on Wednesday, primarily for smoke inhalation and burns. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, 17 firefighters have also sustained injuries.

International support has been mobilized, with Italy and Cyprus dispatching a total of eight firefighting planes to assist in the emergency response, according to The Times of Israel.

As of Thursday, fires continue to burn in 11 hotspots near Jerusalem, with seven towns remaining under evacuation orders, as reported by Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a “national emergency,” cautioning that the fires could potentially spread into Jerusalem. The Israeli military has deployed personnel to assist in firefighting efforts in Jerusalem and other central districts.