Israel's fire: Netanyahu warns, mass flight possible

Israeli authorities announced yesterday evening the cancellation of all Independence Day events due to widespread wildfires between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The decision came amid warnings that the fires could worsen due to strong winds and soaring temperatures. Get the latest celebrity ads directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars.

Evacuation of settlements and villages due to the spread of fires

According to Channel 12, several settlements were evacuated, including Beit Meir, Eshtaol, Elad, Mishmar Ayalon, and Mevo Horon, in an attempt to control the dangerous situation in the area.

Israel's Independence Day: A Remembrance That Matches the Palestinian Nakba

It's worth noting that what's known as "Independence Day" commemorates the declaration of the establishment of Israel in 1948 on the ruins of Palestinian villages and cities. Palestinians commemorate this occasion as "Nakba Day," due to the forced displacement and massacres committed by Zionist gangs at the time.

Panic and evacuations in the middle of the streets

Videos documented moments of panic and mass flight on public roads near the fires, particularly around Jerusalem, as more than 120 firefighting crews and several aircraft participated in an effort to control the blazes.

Injuries and train disruptions

The official Israel Broadcasting Authority reported that approximately 20 people were injured, most of them from smoke inhalation, while Assaf Harofeh Hospital received 10 injured people. The Israel Hayom newspaper reported that train traffic between Ashdod and Ashkelon was halted, with passengers being removed from the carriages.

Netanyahu warns: The fire could reach Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held assessment meetings with officials, warning of the potential for the fire to reach Jerusalem due to strong westerly winds. In a video clip, he said, "We are working with all our might to protect the lives of citizens and control the fire."

Preparing to receive foreign aid to fight the fires Channel 7 reported that Israel has opened the door to foreign firefighting aircraft to assist, while declaring a "national emergency." The government has also requested urgent support from countries such as Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Croatia to send firefighting aircraft. Enjoy interesting and useful content with an exclusive podcast that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.

The fires may be the largest in Israel's history.

Shmuel Friedman, commander of the Jerusalem District of the Fire and Rescue Service, said the current fires could be "the largest in the country's history," noting that a sudden change in wind direction makes them more difficult to control, especially with winds reaching 100 km/h.