Israel Declares National Emergency as Largest Wildfires Ever Rage Near Jerusalem

Massive wildfires have erupted in the hills surrounding Jerusalem, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and prompting Israel to declare a national emergency. These fires, described by officials as potentially the largest in the country's history, have been fueled by dry conditions and powerful winds, making containment efforts extremely difficult. Firefighting teams, supported by military personnel and firefighting aircraft, have struggled to control the flames, which have spread to multiple locations and threatened several communities, highways, and natural habitats. Due to the severity of the situation, Israel has appealed to numerous countries for international assistance, with firefighting aircraft arriving from several European nations. The crisis has led to the closure of major roads, cancellation of public transportation, and the suspension of all Independence Day and Memorial Day events in several cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Authorities have stated that the situation remains far from under control and may worsen as winds increase.