Title: Ethiopian Community Protests in Jerusalem, Demanding Evacuation of Relatives Amidst Clashes
Subtitle: Heavy Traffic Recorded as Police Evacuate Demonstrators at Cinema City Intersection
Jerusalem, Israel – Hundreds of members of the Ethiopian community gathered at the Cinema City intersection today, demanding the immediate evacuation of their relatives from the Gondar area. The protest comes after violent clashes erupted between armed local groups and government forces in Ethiopia.
In response to the demonstration, police forces arrived at the Cinema City junction to maintain order. However, as the demonstrators disobeyed police instructions, the authorities were forced to utilize cavalry and evacuate the area. This ensured the reopening of the traffic axis and restoration of normalcy in the vicinity.
As a result of the evacuation and the subsequent reopening of the road, heavy traffic congestion has been observed in the area. Police authorities are urging motorists to seek alternative routes and avoid venturing into the affected location.
According to a photo by Haim Goldberg/Flash 90, the demonstration was marked by a massive showing of community members, highlighting the urgent need for action.
In light of these events, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel held a situation assessment on Friday due to the state of emergency declared in Ethiopia. The assessment followed a travel warning issued by the ministry, urging Israelis to refrain from visiting Ethiopia.
At the conclusion of the situation assessment, it was reported that the ministry is in contact with approximately 50 Israeli citizens present in the area, along with 60 individuals who are eligible for Israeli citizenship. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen emphasized the importance of those in the area to remain in a secure location and maintain communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Minister Cohen further stated that relevant personnel from the ministry and Israeli envoys in Ethiopia are coordinating with local authorities and embassies of other central countries to ascertain the most viable options for evacuations.
In a recent rescue operation, approximately 200 individuals, including Israeli citizens and an entitled person, were successfully evacuated. Among the rescued, 174 individuals were from Gondar, while approximately 30 more Israelis were evacuated from the city of Har-Dar in northern Ethiopia. All evacuees were promptly transferred to the capital, Addis Ababa.
The situation in Ethiopia remains precarious, and authorities are actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. As events unfold, further updates and assistance will be provided to Israelis in the area.
For more information on the ongoing situation in Ethiopia and the rescue efforts, refer to the article titled “Following the Fighting: The Foreign Minister Appeals to the Israelis in Ethiopia.”