Israel Declares State of Emergency Amid Failure to Extinguish Fires in Occupied Jerusalem
The fires are said to be dangerously close to armored tanks belonging to the Israeli occupation army. At least 12 individuals have suffered from smoke inhalation
Occupied Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Israeli occupation entity announced on Wednesday its inability to control the massive wildfires in occupied Jerusalem, despite the involvement of 120 firefighting teams, including 11 planes and 3 helicopters.
Israel’s public broadcasting authority reported that evacuation orders have been issued for the illegal settlements of Mevo Horon and Mishmar Ayalon due to fears that wildfires could further spread in the region. The occupying entity has reportedly reached out to Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, and Italy requesting assistance with firefighting aircraft.
The fires are said to be dangerously close to armored tanks belonging to the Israeli occupation army. At least 12 individuals have suffered from smoke inhalation, prompting Israeli emergency services to raise their alert level.
Massive Blaze Erupts West of Occupied Jerusalem
The Israeli fire department reported a large-scale wildfire erupting in the Latrun area and several hills to the west of occupied Jerusalem.
Dozens of firefighting crews, supported by multiple aircraft, are participating in efforts to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to surrounding towns and settlements.
Maximum Alert and Widespread Disruptions
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli firefighting service has raised the emergency alert level to its highest due to the ongoing wildfires.
Fire and rescue teams evacuated motorists on the highway connecting the coastal plain to Jerusalem as flames and smoke from nearby forests advanced rapidly.
Some drivers reportedly abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot to escape the fire.
Fire authorities closed the main highway to Jerusalem on Wednesday, just one week after another devastating wildfire destroyed vast areas and forced additional evacuations and road closures.
Evacuations, Train Suspensions, and Event Cancellations
As a result of the new blaze, authorities ordered residents of several communities to evacuate their homes. Fire crews are working to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas. Train services to Jerusalem and nearby areas have been suspended.
Yedioth Ahronoth added that at least six other active fire points have been detected along the hills leading to the city.
Meanwhile, municipalities in Ashkelon, Lod, Be’er Sheva, Mevaseret Zion, and the settlement of Ariel have cancelled events marking what is referred to as “Independence Day” due to the fires. (PW)
Source: Al-Masirah