Massive wildfires broke out near Jerusalem, forcing the evacuation of communities and road closures, and prompting Israel’s government to deploy troops to support firefighters. Declaring a “national emergency,” PM Netanyahu warned the blazes could reach the city amid worsening weather conditions.

Jerusalem

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Massive wildfires have erupted near Jerusalem, prompting the Israeli government to declare a national emergency. The wildfires have led to the evacuation of local communities and caused road closures. This includes the main highway linking Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. Videos circulating online depict scenes of drivers abandoning their vehicles amid the chaos as flames advance.

The blazes, which began recently, have rapidly spread through the Eshtol forest region. Both police and firefighters have been dispatched to the affected areas, and the deployment of the Israeli Air Force has been confirmed. The situation remains severe, with the Prime Minister of Israel emphasizing the critical need to prevent the fires from reaching Jerusalem.

Efforts to combat the wildfires continue under challenging conditions, heightened by strong winds and high temperatures. International assistance is being coordinated, with Italy and Croatia preparing to send planes to aid the operations. Reports indicate that several individuals have suffered from burns and smoke inhalation. Due to the dire situation, some celebrations for the country's Independence Day have been canceled. 



Israel faces national emergency as it battles wildfires

Chaos on the roads as raging flames force communities to evacuate near Jerusalem. Police shut down the main highway that connects the city to Tel Aviv. These videos circulating online show drivers abandoning their cars, not sure where to go. Massive wildfires broke out on Wednesday morning and have since spread through the Eshtol forest. A lot of police arrived, a lot of firefighters, but it didn't really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area here, as you can see behind me. The police told us to turn around and leave. They told us to evacuate. Israeli Air Force has been deployed to the scene, joining the army and rescue crews to try and extinguish the flames. The country's Prime Minister warns that the blazes could reach the city itself. The priority right now is defending Jerusalem. That is of utmost importance. And I don't yet know how far the fire has spread in other hotspots across the country. We need to use every available tool and mobilize as many resources as possible. Crews have been relentlessly battling the wildfires, fuelled by strong winds and high temperatures, with Italy and Croatia expected to send planes to help. Several people are reported to be suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Some events celebrating the country's Independence Day have also been called off.

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