Israel is grappling with a devastating wildfire crisis near Jerusalem, prompting the government to request immediate international assistance as the fires continue to rage uncontrollably.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar appealed to neighboring countries including Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Bulgaria, for support as the blazes threaten to engulf more communities.

The fires, which broke out early on Wednesday, have already forced the evacuation of several areas, road closures, and triggered widespread panic. Highway 1, a major road connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, was closed by authorities as firefighters and military personnel raced against time to contain the rapidly spreading flames. The situation has reached crisis levels, with Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring it a “national emergency.”

“We are facing a national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilized to save lives and bring the fires under control,” Katz said, emphasizing the urgent need for additional support. As of now, assistance from international partners is not expected to arrive before nightfall.

In response to the rapidly escalating fire, Israeli authorities have deployed military troops alongside local firefighters to assist in the containment efforts. The Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue agency reported that hundreds of civilians are at risk, and 16 individuals have been treated for smoke inhalation. Authorities have raised the alert level to the highest tier, signaling the severity of the situation.

The fires, which have been fueled by soaring temperatures and strong winds, have spread quickly across wooded areas near Jerusalem. Helicopters are currently being deployed to combat the flames, while emergency services are actively evacuating residents from at least five communities located to the west of Jerusalem.

Authorities have also confirmed that several people abandoned their vehicles on Route 1 as the thick smoke clouded visibility, forcing them to flee the area on foot. The evacuation efforts have been complicated by the fires’ rapid movement, prompting additional road closures and an increasing number of rescues.

As Israel marks its 77th Independence Day, scheduled commemorations have been disrupted. The central Independence Day ceremony in Jerusalem has been cancelled due to the ongoing emergency, and residents are urged to avoid lighting bonfires and barbecues in unauthorized areas.

The wildfires come at a time of heightened national significance, as Israel observes Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to honor fallen soldiers. Sirens sounded across the country at 0800 GMT, marking the beginning of the day of remembrance. However, this year, the atmosphere has been overshadowed by the wildfire disaster.

In response to the growing crisis, the Israeli military, including the Home Front Command and the Air Force, has been mobilized to support firefighting efforts. The military’s Search and Rescue Brigade and Air Force fire trucks are assisting in the Jerusalem Hills area, where the fire is currently most intense.

Israel has already received assistance from Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy, which have sent firefighting teams, aircraft, and equipment to help control the blaze. However, the extreme weather conditions, including high winds and temperatures, have caused the fires to spread rapidly, overwhelming local resources.

The situation remains dire, with authorities urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. As Israel battles one of the worst wildfire crises in recent history, the government continues to coordinate with international partners, hoping for additional support in the coming hours.

With the fires showing no signs of slowing down, Israel’s resilience will be put to the test as the country fights to protect its citizens and its land from the growing inferno.