Title: Travel Advisory Issued for Israelis in Ethiopia’s Gondar Amidst Escalating Clashes
In a recent development, the Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory for Israelis in the northern Ethiopian city of Gondar. The advisory comes in the wake of intensifying clashes between regional forces and the military, leading to a state of emergency being declared in the surrounding region.
Reports from residents in the Amhara region have indicated widespread fighting, with militia members attacking army units and protesters blocking roads. As a result, flights to Gondar and the nearby tourist town of Lalibela have been suspended, and internet access has been severely affected, further isolating the area.
Concerned for the safety of their citizens, the ministry has urged Israelis in Gondar to remain in secure locations and maintain regular contact with the Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa. Moreover, they strongly advised against travel to the Amhara region, urging Israelis who were considering such plans to reconsider their intentions.
Currently, the Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation closely and is in touch with 50 Israeli nationals in Gondar, as well as 60 individuals who are eligible for Israeli citizenship. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has personally called upon all Israelis in the area to prioritize their safety and remain in secure places.
Efforts are underway to assist Israelis in leaving the troubled region, with the Israeli embassy collaborating with the Ethiopian government and other diplomatic missions. The objective is to determine the safest and most efficient means of evacuating Israelis from the area promptly.
Notably, the instability in the Amhara region commenced in April after federal authorities disarmed the security forces upon the conclusion of the war in the neighboring Tigray region. In response to the current unrest, a state of emergency has been declared, which imposes a ban on activities including protests. Violators of the decree may face imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Under the state of emergency, authorities have been granted additional powers, such as the ability to detain suspects without a court order, conduct searches, and impose curfews. While initially applicable to the Amhara region, it is likely that the state of emergency may be extended to other parts of Ethiopia if the situation warrants.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is vital for Israelis in Gondar to heed the travel advisory and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The McCreary County Record will provide updates on the efforts being made to evacuate Israelis from the region and any further developments surrounding the escalating clashes in Ethiopia.
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