Wildfires near Jerusalem force evacuations and halt Memorial Day events

Wildfires sweeping the outskirts of Jerusalem have led to mass evacuations, road closures, and the cancellation of national ceremonies, prompting Israel to seek international aid.

Massive wildfires erupted on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of several communities and the closure of a key highway linking the city to Tel Aviv. The fires, which coincided with Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, disrupted national events and triggered a call for international firefighting support.

Television footage captured dramatic scenes of flames engulfing hillsides and thick smoke rising above the capital’s outskirts. People were seen fleeing on foot, abandoning their vehicles along Route 1 as fire advanced across the landscape.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that firefighting planes from Italy and Croatia were expected to arrive shortly. Appeals for further assistance were made to Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Israeli media reported that around 120 fire and rescue teams, supported by aircraft and helicopters, were deployed to tackle the blaze. Military search and rescue units also joined the containment efforts.

Authorities evacuated three communities and confirmed that at least 13 people had been injured. No fatalities have been reported.

The outbreak led to the cancellation of multiple ceremonies marking Memorial Day and the eve of Independence Day, including the state’s main event planned in Jerusalem.

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Jerusalem wildfires Israel evacuations Route 1 highway fire