The Israeli non-governmental organization United Hatzalah announced on Sunday the suspension of its relief operations in Turkey, hit on Monday by a violent earthquake, alleging a “serious threat” to the safety of its team.
In a statement, the organization announced that it intends to “complete its mission and return to Israel as soon as possible” due to “a serious threat to the Israeli relief mission in Turkey”, made up of about 25 elements.
United Hatzalah of Israel is an independent organization comprising more than 6,200 volunteers and providing free emergency medical services.
In recent days, United Hatzalah rescuers have shared videos and photos on social media of their rescue operations in earthquake-affected areas in Turkey.
“Unfortunately, we have received information about a concrete and immediate threat against the Israeli delegation and we must prioritize the safety of our staff,” the organization said, declining to elaborate further on the situation.
Agence France-Presse said that the Israeli Army’s rescue teams are continuing their rescue operations in Turkey, where they have field hospitals, information confirmed by the country’s embassy in Ankara.
The Israeli NGO’s announcement came a day after the Austrian army and a German association temporarily made a similar decision.
On Saturday, the Austrian army suspended its rescue operations in Turkey for a few 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 as a result of the violent earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria on Monday, according to official data released today.
The two countries were hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, which was followed by several aftershocks, one of which was 7.5.
Source: TSF
