Cyprus has expressed readiness to assist Israel in battling wildfires outside Jerusalem.
Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides told his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid on the phone late on Monday that Cyprus stands ready to assist in every way possible, according to CNA.
Israel has asked for international help – from Cyprus, Greece ad other countries to battle wildfires outside Jerusalem that forced hundreds to evacuate and sent clouds of smoke billowing over the city.
Planes and crews fought the blaze for a second day as strong winds and dry heat assisted its spread in wooded hills some 10 km (6 miles) west of Jerusalem.
Medics said some people had been treated for smoke inhalation but reported no serious injuries.
Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority said 75 crews and 10 planes were battling the blaze, which the country’s internal security minister said had burned at least 4,200 acres (17,000 hectares). Several hillside communities were evacuated.
Lapid also contacted his counterpart in Greece, where wildfires are currently raging https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/new-fire-burns-outside-athens-evacuations-ordered-2021-08-16, on Monday and requested air support to help put out the blaze near Jerusalem, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said Greece “would help as much as it could,” the statement said.
Israel is also requesting help from Italy, France and others, the statement added.
