Israel Sends Aid Delegation to Earthquake-Hit Venezuela Following Netanyahu’s Directive

Israeli aid and disaster response delegation to depart for Venezuela: Ambassador Reuven Azar

New Delhi, June 30

In a post on X, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said that the deployment comes upon the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, following an assessment by the National Security Council.

He stated that the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be headed by Ambassador Yoed Magen, while Brigadier General Elad Edri, Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command, will lead the Front Command delegation.

"Following the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, a joint delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Home Front Command will depart today (Tuesday) for Venezuela in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the country. The deployment was approved following an assessment conducted by the National Security Council," he wrote.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation will be headed by Ambassador Yoed Magen, who grew up in Venezuela. The Home Front Command delegation will be led by Brigadier General Elad Edri, Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command," he added.

Azar further reflected on the composition of the delegation, which includes engineering specialists, ministry representatives, and experts, among others. He noted that the delegation will work closely with the Venezuelan authorities to provide professional assistance and on-the-ground support.

"The delegation includes engineering specialists from the Home Front Command alongside representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additional experts from the Home Front Command and the National Emergency Management Authority are expected to join the mission at a later stage," he wrote.

"Working in close coordination with the Venezuelan authorities, the Israeli experts will provide professional assistance and support in accordance with the evolving needs on the ground," he added.

Additionally, India has also intensified its humanitarian assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela under Operation Amistad, deploying rescue personnel, field hospitals, medicines and relief supplies as the death toll from last week's devastating earthquakes continue to rise.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Venezuela said,"#OperationAmistad India has intensified its efforts for disaster relief in Venezuela with a healing touch to those affected by the earthquake."

Meanwhile, according to CNN, the death toll from the powerful earthquakes has risen to 1,719, citing National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. At least 22,619 people have been affected, including 5,034 injured. Of the 855 buildings reported damaged, 189 have collapsed completely.

The news report added that 609 aftershocks have been recorded since the earthquakes struck on June 24. The US Geological Survey estimates there is a 44 per cent chance that the final death toll could exceed 10,000.

— ANI