Dozens of Israelis Trapped in Ethiopia Amid Resurging Conflict

Approximately twenty Israeli citizens and thirty foreign nationals are stranded in Lalibela, a city in Ethiopia's northern Amhara region, after the local airport was abandoned and all flights were suspended. Ground travel to the capital, Addis Ababa, is deemed extremely dangerous due to renewed fighting, militia activity, and road banditry. "There are no flights, the roads are dangerous, we must be rescued," stated the trapped Israelis, who fear a rapid deterioration of their situation and are seeking a secure evacuation route, according to Kan 11.

While the situation within Lalibela remains relatively calm, the group reports hearing sporadic gunfire and explosions from the city's outskirts. They have food and lodging, but electricity has been cut, relying on generators, and their cash reserves are dwindling. The group includes elderly travelers, raising concerns about the need for medical attention and medication should the evacuation be delayed.

Concurrently, the group in Lalibela is aware of another group of about twenty Israelis who departed the Tigray region the previous afternoon. Parts of Tigray are cut off from communication and electricity. This second group is stuck en route, and their exact location and condition are currently unknown.

The crisis in northern Ethiopia reignited last week following the collapse of the "Pretoria Agreement," which ended the previous civil war in the region approximately two years ago. Seven armed groups, including forces from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Fano militia, have formed an alliance to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. The rebels have seized airports in the Mekelle region, leading Ethiopian Airlines to suspend flights to the area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which issued a severe travel advisory for the Tigray region just two days prior, stated it is closely monitoring the situation of Israelis in the escalating conflict zones. The ministry is continuously evaluating exit options in cooperation with local authorities and based on prevailing security conditions.