Terror attack on Israel? Gigantic forest fire engulfs highway

Jerusalem (Israel) - Devastating. A gigantic forest fire has broken out in Israel . An important highway was completely engulfed by the flames. Security circles are already talking of a terrorist attack . Meanwhile, radical Palestinians are calling for more fires to be set.

Fire rages on the highway, people had to abandon their cars.
Fire rages on the highway, people had to abandon their cars.  © Montage: X/@beholdisrael

The flames spread uncontrollably to the west of Jerusalem. The district's fire chief is already talking about the "biggest fire in Israeli history".

According to what is known, the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon (local time) along the important highway Highway 1. Numerous cars fell victim to the flames there, many people were trapped and had to be rescued by the emergency services.

At least 17 people were injured, reports the news website Ynet. The government has declared a state of emergency and the Israeli Independence Day celebrations (April 30) have been canceled.

The fire is now threatening the suburbs of Jerusalem. The villages of Shoresh, Yad Hasmona and Neve Ilan in the Jerusalem mountains had to be evacuated. The psychiatric hospital in Eitanin was also evacuated. Rail traffic was suspended.

The emergency services are on site with a large contingent: Fire department, army, civil protection. The Israeli air force is flying military aircraft that have been converted into fire-fighting planes.

But fierce winds of up to 100 km/h are making the extinguishing work more difficult. Several NATO states have promised help. The Palestinian Authority also wants to help.

The fire threatens several suburbs of Jerusalem.
The fire threatens several suburbs of Jerusalem.  © X/@VividProwess
Drivers are rescued from the burning highway.
Drivers are rescued from the burning highway.  © Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP
The memorial to the Israeli armored corps in Latrum is also in danger of falling victim to the flames.
The memorial to the Israeli armored corps in Latrum is also in danger of falling victim to the flames.  © X/@Torat_IDF
A C-130J Super Hercules heavy military transport aircraft is being prepared for firefighting operations.
A C-130J Super Hercules heavy military transport aircraft is being prepared for firefighting operations.  © X/@idfonline

Forest fires in Israel: Is Hamas behind them?

Meanwhile, Israeli security sources say that the fires were set deliberately. "This is a terrorist attack on Israel," Eli Beer, President of the rescue organization United Hatzalah, told journalists. He pointed out that the fire had broken out in 20 places at the same time.

A source from the Israeli security apparatus confirmed the suspicion tothe news agency"The Media Line". Several people have been arrested.

The enormous forest fire broke out precisely on April 30, Israel's Independence Day.

Meanwhile, Hamas is calling on its supporters to set more fires. "Burn down what you can, groves, forests, settler houses," the terrorists incited on Telegram. One man was filmed setting fire to a field near Jerusalem. He is said to be a Palestinian from East Jerusalem, reports theJerusalem Post.

Initial report 18.09 hrs, continuously updated