Dozens of Israeli Tourists Trapped Amid Renewed Fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray
Roughly 45 Israeli tourists are trapped in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region amid renewed fighting. Gadi Yevarkan is working with Ethiopian Airlines on rescue efforts as the Foreign Ministry issues urgent advisories.
Security escalation in East Africa is raising deep concern as renewed fighting and fierce clashes erupt in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Roughly 45 Israeli tourists have been caught in the combat zones, with a first group of about 20 Israelis making their way to a safe city under local military escort. A second group of around 25 travelers is currently staying in an area without immediate danger while evacuation routes are being evaluated.
Amid the tense situation, Gadi Yevarkan, chairman of the Tzomet-Beit Yisrael list, has spent the past few hours working intensively with Ethiopian Airlines and senior officials in the Ethiopian government. Yevarkan appealed directly to the airline management, urging them to immediately explore every possibility of operating urgent rescue flights to the region, alongside ongoing talks with local figures to ensure the safe transfer of the Israelis.
"Time is a critical factor here. The situation on the ground can change within hours, so we cannot simply wait and see how things develop," Yevarkan stated. "We must not reach a situation where we could have acted in time and failed to do so. Every available window of opportunity must be seized now to bring the Israelis to safety quickly and peacefully."
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory recommending against attempting to leave the area without first ensuring safe and proper access out. "Israeli citizens staying in the Tigray region are asked to promptly update the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa regarding their locations, contact details, and any changes to this information," the ministry clarified. Contact numbers: Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa +251-11-619-5500, Foreign Ministry Situation Center 02-5303155, [email protected].
