Firefighting efforts continue today, Thursday, to control the large-scale fires that broke out yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, in southwest Jerusalem. 119 firefighting crews are working in several active hotspots. Eight firefighting aircraft from Cyprus and Italy are scheduled to join the operations today.

Seventeen firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze, two of whom were taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, police reopened all roads that had been closed due to the spread of the fires this morning, according to a statement issued by the police.

According to estimates by the Israel National Fund (KKL), the fire consumed approximately 24,000 dunams, making it one of the largest in the country's history.

It was estimated that most of the Canada Forest was completely burned, while the Ishtaul Forest sustained significant damage.

In a related development, a situation assessment session was held last night as part of the emergency plan, during which it was decided to impose a ban on entry to a number of forests, nature reserves, and picnic areas, including Canada Park, Eshtaol Forest, and others in the mountains west of Jerusalem.

Police deployed security patrols in previously evacuated communities to prevent looting. Residents of the Neve Shalom and Nachshon settlements were also allowed to return to their homes late yesterday evening, after residents of Eshtaol were allowed to return earlier.

Several European countries, including Romania, France, Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Ukraine, have announced they will send firefighting aircraft to support the firefighting efforts. However, a fire service source indicated that international assistance may not be widely effective, given estimates that the fire will be brought under control before such aid arrives.