Dozens of Israelis Trapped in Ethiopia Amid Resurging Conflict

Approximately 20 Israeli citizens and 30 foreign nationals are stranded in Lalibela, Amhara region, northern Ethiopia, due to renewed fighting and fears of a return to civil war. According to Kan News, flights into and out of Lalibela have been suspended, the airport is unstaffed, and ground travel to the capital, Addis Ababa, is considered highly dangerous because of combat, armed militias, and roadblocks.

Those trapped report hearing gunfire and explosions near the city's outskirts, though Lalibela itself remains relatively calm, allowing movement within the city. While they have food and shelter, electricity is out, and they are relying on generators for power and their cash reserves are dwindling. Concerns are particularly high for elderly travelers who may require medical attention unavailable locally if rescue is delayed.

The Israelis are in contact with the Israeli Embassy, the Foreign Ministry, and insurance companies, but a safe extraction route has not yet been established. They are urging the Israeli government to quickly arrange a secure air or land evacuation, fearing the situation could worsen and the city become completely cut off.

This situation follows a recent Foreign Ministry advisory for Israelis in the Tigray region to exercise extreme caution. The broader conflict in northern Ethiopia has intensified following the collapse of the Pretoria Agreement, which ended a previous two-year civil war in November 2022. Seven armed groups have formed an alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, with Tigrayan and Amhara militias now cooperating in the Amhara region.

The Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Tigray after Tigrayan forces seized airports there, and similar disruptions are affecting flights to Lalibela. Another group of about 20 Israelis attempting to leave Tigray is also reported to be stranded en route, their exact location and condition unknown.

The Foreign Ministry stated it is leading intensive efforts, in coordination with local and relevant authorities, to assess the situation and explore extraction options based on evolving security conditions.