More than 200 Israelis and Ethiopian Jews were rescued from war-torn northern Ethiopia on Thursday afternoon amid ongoing violence, the Prime Minister's Office and Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem announced in a joint statement.
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A total of 174 Israeli citizens and Jews eligible for aliyah visas were evacuated on three planes from the besieged city of Gondar, while 30 others were rescued from the city of Bahir Dar, the statement noted.
"In the last few days, citizens of Israel and [persons] entitled to make aliyah from Ethiopia entered into distress in the battle zones. I ordered them to be taken out of there," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "The State of Israel takes care of its citizens wherever they are.
"The people are now on their way from Gondar and Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa, and from there they will come to the State of Israel. We will receive them here with warmth and welcome," the premier added.
Video: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks about aliyah rescue flight from Ethiopia / GPO
The operation comes as violent clashes arose between the Ethiopian Army and the FANO militia in the Amhara province, trapping some 150 Israelis.
The Prime Minister's Office organized the rescue flights in collaboration with the Jewish Agency for Israel, including volunteers from the organization's Project TEN. Jewish Agency chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog praised all those involved in Thursday's "courageous operation.
"Now our staff will support and embrace the rescued individuals with care and sensitivity," said Almog. "We initiated this rescue operation as part of our shared commitment and strong dedication to our people. We won't break our promise; we won't abandon in the field any Jew who needs our help."
The Israelis and foreign nationals were rescued by Magnus International Search and Rescue and PassportCard in coordination with local officials, Israeli diplomats in Addis Ababa, and the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Officials were discussing the possibility of sending in an armed convoy for a 14-hour rescue mission in coordination with the Ethiopian military and the rival militia, local media claimed earlier this week.
Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
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