Wildfires raging near Jerusalem forced evacuations in several areas and led to several major road closures on Wednesday, as firefighters struggle to contain the flames amid dry conditions and high winds.

Major wildfires have broken out in Israel and the occupied West Bank, prompting authorities to call for international help and mobilise the military to combat the blazes.Drivers were forced to abandon their cars on the motorway and ceremonies for Israel’s Independence Day were cancelled as flames tore across an area connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Palestinians call closure of Jerusalem Fund and Endowment as new Israeli move to undermine their presence in occupied city - Anadolu Ajansı