Massive Wildfire In Israel's Jerusalem: Five Pointers (Photo on X @VividProwess)

Jerusalem, Israel: As the people of Israel mark the 77th day of the nation’s existence, the country on Wednesday declared an emergency following a massive wildfire on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Police have imposed a ban on lighting fires and grills on Independence Day, and most of the events have been canceled.

Perhaps the largest wildfire in the country, the situation have forced many residents to evacuate from the occupied settlement areas. At least 13 people have sustained injuries so far, and there are no reports of any deaths yet.

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1. Visuals from the scenes showed people abandoning their belongings, including cars, and escaping the blaze in panic. Footages also show thick smoke billowing over the surrounding hilltops. The authorities have closed the main highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. At least a dozen people have been in hospital. The fire is reportedly getting stronger, whipped up by strong winds and hot, dry weather.
2. The reason for the fire is being investigated. According to Jerusalem District Fire Department Commander Shmulik Friedman, the incident is probably the largest fire ever in the country. He also warned that winds in excess of 60 miles an hour are expected in the near future, potentially increasing the danger.
3. Following the eruption of fire, Israel has sought international assistance, and the defense minister said the country is in a time of national emergency as thousands of Israelis are being evacuated from settlements in the occupied Palestine region. The country said that it expects aid from Italy, Croatia, Spain, Romania, and Ukraine to tackle the fire.
4. Though heatwaves combined with strong winds are believed to have triggered the fire, and it’s spiraling out, certain Israeli media have reported suspicion of an intentional attempt to set the fire. The Times Of Israel reports that police have arrested a suspect. Rumours have also spread that Palestinians are calling for an arson attack in the Israeli settlement areas. The media house claimed some social media had called people to set fire to forests near the settlements.
5. Since the start of the Gaza, the Israeli government has accelerated the construction of settlements across East Jerusalem, with more than 20 projects totaling thousands of housing units having been approved, while evicting Palestinians from their homes in part of the city, according to a report by The Guardian. The illegal settlement under international law has been progressing rapidly, with several constructions.

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