Dozens of Israelis trapped in Ethiopia: 'It's impossible to leave'

About 40 Israeli tourists are stranded in northern Ethiopia due to fighting between government forces and rebels in the Tigray region. One group of 20 people, mostly over 65, has been in Lalibela for five days. Roads are blocked and air travel suspended. Tourists report shortages of food, medicine, and electricity. Israel's Foreign Ministry says it is making efforts to evacuate them.

About 40 Israeli tourists have been stranded in northern Ethiopia due to an escalation of fighting between federal government forces and local rebels in the Tigray region. One group of about 20 people, most of whom are over 65, has been in the city of Lalibela for five days. Exits from the city are blocked and air travel has been suspended. One tourist, Yuval Pratuk, said gunfire and artillery can be heard every few hours. The group arrived in Ethiopia in the middle of the month as part of an organized tour and arrived in Lalibela on September 22, where they found themselves in a combat zone. Tourists report shortages of food, fuel, cash, and medicine, as well as a lack of electricity for most of the day. They also warned of a possible complete communications blackout. According to Pratuk, the group was not warned of the risks before arriving in the north of the country. Another group of about 20 Israelis remains stranded in Mekele. Israel's Foreign Ministry said it is making intensive efforts to evacuate them.