Israel to send emergency aid to earthquake-hit Syria

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would provide emergency aid to Syria where at least 1,000 people have been killed in an earthquake. 

“A request was also received to (provide relief) for the many who were injured in the earthquake in Syria,” Netanyahu said. He didn’t specify who made the request but that the had “instructed that this be done.”

Haaretz Daily reported that Russia had made the request, causing Israel to send blankets and medicine to Syria. Israel would however not treat anyone on Syrian soil, but would consider treating wounded on the Israeli side of the border or in Turkey if requested.

Images and videos from Syria showed immense destruction, with entire residential buildings collapsing. The White Helmet organisation, which helps civilians in Syria, called the situation a “disaster”, urging the International community to offer help.

Israel is still technically at war with Syria and has no diplomatic ties with the neighbouring country. Israeli fighter jets regularly carries out airstrikes in Syria, mainly against Iranian-operated targets.

However, Israel has hit airports in both Damascus and Aleppo in the past year, as well as other targets where Syrian security personnel are stationed.

Turkey was hit harder by the earthquake, with over 1,500 people killed and over 5,000 injured. Israel announced early in the morning that it had been in contact with the Turkish authorities about sending emergency aid and rescue teams to assist.