• Wildfires near Jerusalem have forced the evacuation of several towns.
• At least 20 people have been injured primarily due to smoke inhalation.
• Israel has called for international assistance to combat the expanding fires.

Wildfires have ravaged parts of central Israel near Jerusalem, prompting authorities to evacuate numerous communities and close the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. According to the Israeli Fire and Rescue Service, the rapid spread of the flames is attributed to high temperatures and strong winds, resulting in some of the fiercest wildfires the country has faced in years, with 20,000 dunams (approximately 5,000 acres) affected so far, according to aa and New York Times.

At least 20 individuals have sought medical treatment due to smoke inhalation, and approximately 163 firefighting teams, supported by 12 aircraft from various countries including Italy and Croatia, have been engaged in efforts to extinguish the fires, as reported by LA Times and BBC. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a national emergency as the fires continue to endanger local communities.

Evacuations have affected towns including Neveh Shalom and Beko'a, with residents fleeing as flames approached their homes. Television footage captured scenes of chaos as individuals abandoned their vehicles on the impacted highways, while firefighters used helicopters and ATVs to contain the blazes, according to Reuters and aa.

Despite ongoing challenges, authorities have reported that the situation is gradually improving, with significant firefighting efforts yielding results in bringing the fires under control. However, weather conditions remain a critical factor, and concerns of re-ignition persist, prompting warnings for residents against entry into affected forested areas, as indicated by India Times and aa.