**Israeli Citizens Safely Evacuated from Conflict-Hit Northern Ethiopia**
In a remarkable rescue operation, a group of over a dozen Israeli citizens, along with seven foreign nationals, have been successfully evacuated from the war-torn Gondar region in northern Ethiopia. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, working in collaboration with PassportCard, Magnus Search and Rescue, local officials, and Israeli diplomats, orchestrated the operation to ensure the safety of the stranded individuals amidst intensifying clashes between locals and the military.
Amidst escalating tensions in the region over the absorption of regional forces into the military, there had been mounting concerns for the safety of approximately 50 Israeli nationals and 60 others eligible for Israeli citizenship. Previously, the Israeli Foreign Ministry had advised them to seek shelter as the Gondar region entered a state of emergency.
The rescue effort culminated in the successful evacuation of the 13 Israeli citizens and seven foreign nationals from the town of Debark to the nearby city of Shire. From there, they are expected to be flown to Addis Ababa. The operation stands as a testament to the ongoing challenges faced by the Israeli government and the international community when trying to protect citizens amidst complex geopolitical situations.
However, it is crucial to note that the Israeli rescue operation does not involve bringing large numbers of waiting Ethiopians to Israel, unlike previous daring operations which brought thousands of Beta Israel Ethiopians to safety. Israeli officials are particularly concerned about the potential for chaotic scenes and human tragedy similar to those witnessed during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The situation on the ground in the conflict-hit Gondar region remains volatile, with reports of explosions, gunfire, and bodies on the streets. Israeli citizens stuck in the area are urgently appealing for rescue as fears of food and water shortages mount. The state of emergency, which was declared last week, has imposed tight restrictions on various activities, including protests, punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Authorities now have the power to detain suspects without a court order, conduct searches, and impose curfews.
While efforts continue to ensure the safety and well-being of those remaining in the region, tensions persist, and the situation remains fluid. The Israeli citizens’ evacuation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Israeli government and the international community in safeguarding their citizens while navigating complex geopolitical circumstances.
