Massive forest fires in Israel: The country is asking for international help

In Israel, all public events dedicated to the most important date in the country's history - Independence Day - have been canceled due to large-scale forest fires. This was officially announced on Wednesday, April 30, by the country's Fire and Rescue Service. It was noted that ensuring the security requirements for holding the events has become an impossible situation.

Israel has now appealed to the international community for emergency assistance. Firefighting aircraft and rescue teams from Greece, Italy and Croatia have already left for the country. The Palestinian National Authority has also offered Israel any assistance it can provide.

According to The Times of Israel, 12 firefighting aircraft, more than 100 fire brigades and military personnel have been deployed to extinguish the massive fire that has spread across the country. At the moment, the evacuation of residents from several settlements to safer areas has begun, and several more cities and villages are preparing for possible evacuation. The country's major highway is temporarily completely closed.

The large-scale fire broke out on the morning of April 30 in the Eshtaol forest near the Mesilat Zion settlement near Jerusalem. Due to its rapid spread and intensification, the country's Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a "Fire Strike" emergency regime. This regime is usually implemented when there is a risk of the situation getting out of control.

Police and relevant services have not ruled out the possibility that the fire was deliberately set. Meanwhile, a person suspected of starting the fire has already been arrested.

Firefighters and rescuers are appealing to the public to stay away from the wildfire areas around the cities of Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem and to strictly follow the advice given by the emergency services. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!