Palestinian firefighters help extinguish a fire on November 25, 2016 in Haifa, Israel. (Photo by Lior Mizrahi/Getty Images) The Palestinian Authority (PA) sent teams of Palestinian firefighter to help Israelis combat the ongoing wildfires occurring in the hills west of Jerusalem.
The Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post reported that the PA sent four fire engines and 20 Palestinian firefighters as part of the effort. The fires were first ignited by massive winds on August 15 and are considered “the largest in years,” according to Times of Israel, though they are now “mostly under control.” Israel had initially requested international aid but has since declined offers to help from various countries.
“I would like to thank Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas for his initiative to send firefighters to assist Israel today,” Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted. “Mutual aid and saving human lives are a common interest for us all.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid similarly tweeted: “Palestinian firefighters on their way to help put out the fires in the Jerusalem hills. Thank you for your cooperation! We appreciate it.”
Jewish groups also tweeted out their appreciation to the PA for the firefighting assistance to Israel.
“A welcomed sight and demonstration of support by the Palestinian Authority, sending firefighters to assist with battling the wildfires that threaten all,” the Anti-Defamation League tweeted.
A welcomed sight and demonstration of support by the Palestinian Authority, sending firefighters to assist with battling the wildfires that threaten all.https://t.co/JIRy0eSmI5
— ADL (@ADL) August 18, 2021
The American Jewish Committee also tweeted: “We join Israeli leaders in applauding the Palestinian Authority for sending firefighting teams to help battle the massive forest fires outside Jerusalem. May we see Israeli-Palestinian cooperation continue to grow for the benefit of both peoples.”
We join Israeli leaders in applauding the Palestinian Authority for sending firefighting teams to help battle the massive forest fires outside Jerusalem.
May we see Israeli-Palestinian cooperation continue to grow for the benefit of both peoples. 🇮🇱🇵🇸https://t.co/dOODr8tlaq
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) August 17, 2021
Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Nael Azza told Times of Israel that “it was the fourth time in recent years that Palestinian firefighters had joined with Israelis to respond to an evolving disaster.” Israeli and Palestinian firefighters have held various joint training sessions, according to Times of Israel.
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