Israelis Rescued From Ethiopia Conflict Zone

A group of Israelis who were trapped in a conflict zone in Ethiopia have been safely rescued and are expected to return to Israel within 24 hours. The successful extraction followed days of intensive joint efforts involving senior Ethiopian officials, Ethiopian Airlines, and a dedicated volunteer task force.

Gadi Yevarkan, chairman of the "Tzomet Beit Yisrael" list, who spearheaded the rescue operation, confirmed that the Israelis were evacuated from the danger zone using two helicopters. He emphasized the unity behind the effort, stating, "In moments like these, there is no politics or factions, only one thing: human lives and mutual responsibility." Yevarkan added, "Many people worked quietly, responsibly, and with determination behind this news. We could not rest until we saw them on their way to safety."

The crisis began due to a security escalation and the resumption of armed conflict in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Last Friday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning for the area, advising Israeli citizens to avoid all travel there. In response to the deteriorating situation, Ethiopian Airlines suspended its flights to the airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire.

Over the past few days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa worked with local authorities to identify safe exit routes, culminating in the successful evacuation on Tuesday evening.