Israel declares national emergency and appeals for international aid over ‘largest ever’ blaze
In the midst of the Gaza war, Israel was hit by a devastating fire in West Jerusalem, forcing the evacuation of 11 communities. The flames, fueled by heat and strong winds, caused at least 23 minor injuries and forced many motorists trapped on the highway between the city and Tel Aviv to flee on foot. The causes are being investigated.
"We are facing a massive fire, perhaps the largest ever recorded in the country," said Fire Commander Shmulik Friedman. He admitted that the fire is "far from under control."
The spread of the fire forced the closure of the main highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Video footage showed stranded vehicles as the flames spread across the area, and many drivers simply abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene on foot.
The fire is fueled by strong winds and hot, dry weather. The cause is under investigation. Between Jerusalem and the focus of the fires is Mount Herzl, which was to host the symbolic lighting of the torch marking the beginning of Israel's Independence Day on Wednesday, as well as the end of the day in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the event. Thousands of people have been evacuated.
National emergency in Israel
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the deployment of the military to control the rapidly spreading fires, calling the situation a "national emergency."
Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services treated at least 23 people with minor injuries and raised the alert threshold to its maximum level. Residents of the areas closest to the fire left their homes with backpacks, while some loaded mattresses into their cars, unsure whether they would have to leave their homes in the coming hours.
According to the Israeli police, at least the towns of Mishmar Ayalon, Nachshon, Elad, Mevo Horon, Canada Park, Latrun, Neve Shalom, Neve Ilan, Nataf, Yad Hashmona and Shoresh were evacuated.
Israeli police closed the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway on Wednesday and evacuated towns along the route, in an area already devastated by fires a week ago. "We are in a state of national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilized to save lives and control the fires," Katz said in a statement.
Aid was on the way from across the region, including planes from Italy, Croatia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, France, and Spain, Israeli officials said. Meanwhile, soldiers are helping people trapped on the roads escape amid thick clouds of black smoke. The flames are devouring wooded areas near the road between Latrun and Bet Shemesh, and several helicopters are trying to extinguish them.
Warning for Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that "the westerly wind could easily push the fire toward the outskirts (of Jerusalem), and even toward the city itself." "Right now, the priority is to protect Jerusalem," he added in a video released by his office.
The Jerusalem Municipality also announced the cancellation of all events scheduled for Wednesday, a national holiday.