Israel prepares to rescue stranded citizens amid closed airspace
- Approximately 200,000 Israelis are stranded abroad with closed airspace due to conflict.
- Israel's Ministry of Transportation plans to employ cruise ships to repatriate stranded citizens.
- Efforts to assist those abroad reflect a larger challenge faced by the Israeli government during geopolitical tensions.
Israel is facing a significant crisis as approximately 200,000 of its citizens remain stranded abroad due to closed airspace following a conflict with Iran. The Israeli Ministry of Transportation announced plans to utilize two cruise ships, owned by Mano Shipping Company, to assist in repatriating these stranded individuals from Cyprus. Each ship can accommodate around 2,000 passengers, and logistical arrangements will be handled by the shipping company once all safety approvals are obtained from the relevant authorities. As of now, there are no clear indications of when flights will resume, leaving many citizens in a state of uncertainty regarding their return home. In a separate but related event, over 1,000 young adults from the United States who were participating in a heritage trip through Birthright Israel have been evacuated to Cyprus by a luxury cruise ship after becoming stranded in Israel. This evacuation occurred amidst rising tensions in the region following a conflict that intensified on June 13. The Crown Iris, the cruise ship involved, made the journey from Ashdod Port to Cyprus under the escort of the Israeli navy, further emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This operation was praised by Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, who described it as complex and emotional yet successful in ensuring participant safety. The current geopolitical environment, where air and land travel options remain risky, has prompted many Israelis abroad to seek alternative routes home. The Israeli government has advised against traveling through border crossings with Egypt and Jordan, instead recommending that citizens wait for the airports to reopen. Various Israeli airlines had already implemented rescue flights from Athens and Larnaca, highlighting the ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of stranded citizens, yet the focus now seems to be shifting towards utilizing maritime solutions to address the sizable number of individuals still needing assistance. The precarious situation reflects the broader impacts of ongoing regional conflicts and the necessity for effective crisis management strategies. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety in the repatriation process while also addressing the immediate needs of citizens trapped abroad. As many continue to look for clarity regarding their return, the situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments expected as the government works to provide solutions and support for those affected.