A front of flames and environmental crisis with fires in Jerusalem
Forest fires out of control near Jerusalem have forced the closure of key roads, mass evacuations, and a coordinated international response. The flames, active since this Thursday in wooded areas east of the city, spread by intense winds and record temperatures, also affecting Asdot (south) and Elad (near Tel Aviv). So far, 9 foci remain active out of the 20 initially reported, as confirmed by correspondent Maya Siminovich from the scene.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu activated the National Security Council to manage international aid. The United States responded by sending three firefighting planes. Meanwhile, hundreds of residents were relocated to safe areas, and criticism of the emergency management was not long in coming.
Key points of an escalating environmental crisis
Firefighters face critical conditions: “The flames do not subside even at night causing an environmental crisis. Temperatures exceeded 40°C, a determining factor,” explained Siminovich. This is compounded by the hypothesis of a coordinated terrorist attack, fueled by propaganda from groups like Hamas. However, authorities have not confirmed the causes: “Shin Bet and the police are investigating, but there are still no conclusions,” added the journalist.
Controversy also erupted internally. Anonymous members of the rescue teams accused the government of budget cuts in the firefighting corps: “The Ministry of National Heritage, linked to religious sectors, was prioritized, to the detriment of resources for natural emergencies,” a source reported.
Fires in Jerusalem generate an environmental crisis[/caption>
Impact on the 77th Independence Day anniversary
The crisis overshadowed national celebrations. State ceremonies in Jerusalem were replaced by prerecorded events, and dozens of community events were canceled. “Many families of hostages in Gaza refuse to celebrate until their return. There is a feeling of insecurity and collective mourning,” detailed Siminovich.
Even traditions involving fire, like bonfires, were suspended to prevent new fires. “It is a Independence Day marked by austerity and tension,” summarized the correspondent.
International responses and logistical challenges
The foreign aid, including the American planes, seeks to contain the disaster in a volatile geopolitical context. Netanyahu described the situation as “a test of national resilience.” However, criticisms persist: local teams report lack of coordination between firefighters and police, delaying efforts to address the environmental crisis.
A country in flames and on alert
While the flames challenge emergency teams, Israel faces a double crisis: environmental and social. The combination of climatic factors, political tensions, and aftermath of the war in Gaza paints a complex picture. As Siminovich pointed out: “This is the last thing we needed in an already tumultuous time.”
The next hours will be decisive to control the fires, but the wounds in the social fabric may take longer to heal.
