Foreign Ministry: Group of Israelis stranded in northern Ethiopia rescued

The Foreign Ministry announced the rescue of a group of Israelis stranded in the city of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia, using helicopters, following the security escalation in the area. The operation was carried out after coordination between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Ministry, and the Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa with the Ethiopian authorities. The group was moved to a safe area and will continue to the capital Addis Ababa. Earlier, it was reported that about 20 Israelis and 30 foreign nationals were in the city without the ability to leave due to clashes between government forces and militias.

The Foreign Ministry announced the successful rescue of a group of Israelis stranded in the city of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia, against the backdrop of the security escalation in the area. The rescue was carried out using helicopters, after three days of coordination between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Foreign Ministry officials, and the Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa with the Ethiopian authorities and other parties. The group was moved to a safe area, from where they are expected to continue to the capital Addis Ababa. The embassy will continue to accompany the Israelis until they reach their destination. Earlier this week, it was reported that about 20 Israelis and 30 foreign nationals were in the city without the ability to leave, due to the renewal of clashes between government forces and armed militias. Flights to the area were halted and travel on land routes was considered dangerous. The Israelis reported disruptions in electricity supply and a shortage of cash, as well as concerns about a lack of medical care for elderly travelers. The current escalation comes against the backdrop of the collapse of the 2022 peace agreement and the formation of an alliance of armed organizations against the central government. Meanwhile, another group of about 20 Israelis who left the Tigray region and became stranded on their way was reported, and their location has not yet been clarified.