This Hamas appeal was also followed by the Jenin News Network channel, which urged the Palestinians to “Burn the woods near the settlements“Meanwhile, large fires continue to flare up on the hills of Jerusalem, aggravated by the high temperatures and strong winds that feed the flames.
Evacuations and road closures
Several villages, including Neve Shalom, Beqoa, Taoz, Nakhshon and a neighborhood of the city of Beit Shemesh, were evacuated following the propagation of fires. The 1 motorway, which connects Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, has been closed to allow rescue and reduce the risk to motorists. Many people were saved from their cars surrounded by flames.
The Israeli authorities have prepared extraordinary means to stem the crisis. Firefighters, army and motorcycle teams are actively engaged in rescue operations. The Israeli rescue agency Magen David Adom has communicated that at least 16 people are intoxicated due to smoking.
Interventions and requests of international help
The Minister of Defense, Israel Katzannounced that all available forces will be mobilized to face the emergency. Urgent assistance was requested from countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Italy, to curb the spread of the flames. The Fire Brigade Commander Eyal Castery has ordered the general mobilization and the opening of an operating center in the Latrun area.
Many videos spread by Israeli media show in flames and forests devastated by the fire. During the day, the National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the affected areas, ensuring that the rescue and evacuation operations are continuing relentlessly.
Investigations and arrests
The Jerusalem police arrested a pyroman suspicion in the Umm Tuba neighborhood in the east of the city. The fifty -year -old was blocked while trying to set fire in the vegetation, according to reports from the police spokesperson. At the time of arrest, the man had with him a lighter and flammable materials. He was stopped and subjected to interrogation to clarify his involvement in fires. According to the authorities, the investigations will continue to identify any other responsibilities related to fires that are putting entire communities at risk. The risk that there are other similar resolved activities makes emergency management even more complex. According to our Michael Sfaradi, the arrests at the time we write would be at least 5.
A week ago in the same area other outbreaks had occurred, but the current climatic conditions, with strong winds and high temperatures, accelerated the propagation of the flames. The situation remains critical and the Israeli authorities are working tirelessly to tame fires, guarantee the safety of the population and prevent further damage. While the flames are fighting, questions remain open on the responsibilities and impact of this emergency on the fragile balance of the region.
Not surprisingly, Sfaradi points out, the Palestinian areas have not been affected by any fire.
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