Hamas has posted a message on Telegram encouraging Palestinians to “burn everything they can: forests, houses, and settlers’ homes.” “The youth of the West Bank, Jerusalem, and those in Israel have set fire to their cars… Gaza awaits the revenge of the free,” Hamas wrote. Earlier, in a post on Telegram, Jenin News Network urged Palestinians to “burn the forests near the settlements.” Since this morning, massive fires have been raging on the hills of Jerusalem, prompting a declaration of a ‘national emergency’.
A large fire broke out in the Eshtaol forest in the mountainous area west of Jerusalem. Authorities issued a special order for serious fires, which is activated in case of particularly intense fires with a risk of losing control. Numerous teams of firefighters are working to contain the flames. Strong winds and a sudden rise in temperatures are contributing to the rapid spread of the fire.
The police have announced the arrest of a fifty-year-old resident of the Umm Tuba neighborhood of East Jerusalem on suspicion of contributing to the fires raging near the Holy City. The officers made the arrest after receiving a report that a person was starting fires in the southern area of Jerusalem, a spokesperson said. The suspect was detained for questioning. The police say the suspect tried to flee but was apprehended after a brief chase, and was found with a lighter, cotton balls, and flammable materials.
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