Israelis airlifted from Ethiopia’s Lalibela as fighting escalates
Flights to Lalibela were suspended on September 24 because of clashes nearby
A group of Israelis stranded in the northern Ethiopian town of Lalibela has been evacuated by helicopter following a three-day diplomatic effort, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said.
The evacuation took place over two days as security conditions deteriorated in the region. The Israelis were flown to a safer location ahead of their onward journey to the capital, Addis Ababa, according to the ministry.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, ministry officials and Israel’s embassy in Addis Ababa worked with Ethiopian authorities to arrange the operation. The statement did not specify how many Israelis were rescued or identify the location to which they were taken.
The rescue comes amid renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia. Flights to Lalibela were suspended on September 24 because of clashes nearby, Reuters reported, adding to disruptions in a region facing fears of a wider conflict.
Lalibela, in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, is renowned for its 11 medieval churches carved from rock. The UNESCO World Heritage site remains an important centre of worship and pilgrimage.
The Foreign Ministry thanked Ethiopian authorities and others involved in arranging the evacuation. Israeli diplomats will continue assisting the group until it reaches Addis Ababa, the ministry said.