Israeli NGO United Hatzalah announced this Sunday that it was suspending its relief operations in Turkey, hit by Monday’s massive earthquake, citing a “serious threat” to the safety of its team.
In a statement, the organization said it intends to “complete its mission and return to Israel as soon as possible” due to the “serious threat to the Israeli relief mission in Turkey” of about 25 people.
Israel’s United Hatzalah is an independent organization with more than 6,200 volunteers and provides free emergency medical services.
In recent days, United Hatzalah rescuers have shared videos and photos of their rescue operations in earthquake-affected areas of Turkey on social media.
“Unfortunately, we have received information about a specific and imminent threat to the Israeli delegation, and we must prioritize the safety of our personnel,” the organization said, declining to provide details of the situation.
Agence France-Presse reported that Israeli army rescue teams continue their rescue operations in Turkey, where they have field hospitals, the information was confirmed by the country’s embassy in Ankara.
The Israeli non-governmental organization’s statement came a day after the Austrian army and the German association temporarily made a similar decision.
On Saturday, the Austrian military suspended its rescue operations in Turkey for several hours, citing the “security situation” on the ground, but resumed the search under the protection of the Turkish army.
At least 33,179 people have died in the massive earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to official figures released this Sunday.
Two countries were hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, followed by several aftershocks, one of which was 7.5.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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