National Emergency Authority Evacuates Thousands and Launches "Meshab Ruh" Program for Gaza Border Residents

Head of the National Emergency Authority, Brigadier General Yoram Laredo, announced the initiation of the "Meshab Ruh" program today, which is aimed at addressing the needs of evacuated residents of the Gaza Strip and providing support to those residing in close proximity to the border. This program signifies a comprehensive effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.

A swift and organized effort has led to the evacuation of 13,000 individuals residing in settlements adjacent to the Gaza border to various hotels across the country. These evacuees are now under the full care of the state, and the accommodations will be available for as long as necessary until they can safely return to their homes near Gaza.

As part of the "Meshab Ruh" program, approximately 60,000 people, including the evacuated residents and those who chose to participate in the "refreshment" program, are currently residing in hotels, with an allocation of around 244 million shekels in resources. Brigadier General Laredo provided a detailed overview of the program during a press conference, emphasizing the state's commitment to overseeing the well-being of the affected population from end to end.

Extending Support to Ashkelon

The program extends its support to the city of Ashkelon, with a particular focus on those without protection, totaling around 22,000 people, and another 3,000 individuals described as "without a family backbone." This support in Ashkelon is pending government approval, with resources ready to be allocated to refresh these residents if the decision is accepted.

The "Meshab Ruh" program also outlines provisions for the residents of northern settlements located up to five kilometers from the Gaza border, with an operational plan in place in case the army recommends evacuation. In this case, residents will initially be accommodated in schools across the country before being relocated to hotels.

According to data from the National Emergency Authority shared with the Ministry of the Interior, approximately 37,000 people in the northern region had independently evacuated by noon. The program has the potential to accommodate the evacuation of up to 54,000 residents living in these areas.

Brigadier General Laredo assured, "We have an eye contact with the northern region, we have exactly the same evacuation plan - 'safe distance north.' This program is currently not activated, and we are fully prepared to activate it if required."

The "Meshab Ruh" program underscores the government's commitment to the safety and well-being of residents near the Gaza border during these challenging times, providing essential support and resources as the situation unfolds.