Israelis Stranded in Ethiopia Combat Zone Face Shortages

Israel's Foreign Ministry, through its Bureau for Israelis Abroad, the Situation Room, and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, is actively working to assist Israelis currently in northern Ethiopia where a security escalation has occurred. The ministry is monitoring the situation of Israelis in the affected region and maintaining contact with local groups and relevant authorities.

Options for exiting the area are continuously being evaluated in cooperation with local entities and are contingent upon security developments and conditions on the ground. The Foreign Ministry stated, "The Foreign Ministry is and will continue to act and assist Israelis in the area as much as possible, with the highest priority given to their well-being and safety."

According to a letter sent by the stranded Israelis to the Foreign Ministry, the group is located in the city of Lalibela, an area experiencing heightened conflict. The Israelis described severe shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and communication means. They expressed concern that the situation might not be a temporary flight delay but a prolonged crisis, noting that flights have been canceled indefinitely.

The letter further highlighted that fuel, food, and cash reserves in the city are extremely limited, raising fears of communication blackouts that could hinder contact with the embassy and families in Israel. Some individuals in the group are elderly and may require medical attention if not evacuated soon, with specific mention of individuals suffering from asthma.