FLASH NEWS
Out-of-control wildfires in Israel! Arson investigation underway
2025-04-30 19:38:37 / BOTA
Israel is facing one of the most destructive fires in its history, perhaps the largest ever, as the hearth that started Wednesday morning near Mesilat Zion, outside Jerusalem, continues to spread uncontrollably.
The fire has caused mass evacuations, traffic disruptions, damage and has prompted international mobilization.
The head of the Jerusalem District Fire Service, Shmulik Friedman, declared: “We are in the middle of an extremely large fire, perhaps the largest ever recorded in the country. Our operation will take a long time. We are very far from controlling the situation,” he said from the Eshtaol area, during an emergency press conference. The fire, which started at 09:30 in the morning, initially spread west due to winds, but then began to move east again. Weather forecasts show a deterioration overnight, with winds that could reach up to 90-100 km/h, raising fears of further spread.
Injured, including babies and pregnant women
The Magen David Adom emergency service reported that at least 13 people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and burns. Among them were two babies – one a month old and the other a six-month-old – and two pregnant women. Ten other people received medical treatment at the scene.
Rescuers also evacuated elderly people and infirm patients, using ambulances and mobile intensive care units.
International Mobilization – Arson Investigations
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has contacted his counterparts from the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Spain, Argentina, North Macedonia and Azerbaijan. The Foreign Ministry has officially approached Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy and Bulgaria about sending firefighting aircraft. According to a joint statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of National Security and the Foreign Ministry, international firefighting teams are expected to begin operations from Thursday, as night flight restrictions make it impossible to use firefighting aircraft.
The Palestinian Authority has also offered assistance to fight the fire, but Israel has not yet provided a response.
Currently, firefighting aircraft from the Israeli Elad air force squadron, police helicopters, and Air Force units on high alert are engaged in the operation.
Meanwhile, the Shin Bet internal security service has taken over part of the investigation into the causes of the fires, as there are suspicions that some of the fires may have been started deliberately. The service is assisting police in identifying potential suspects.
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