ISRAEL USES CARGO SHIPS TO REPATRIATE DOCTORS VIA LIMASSOL - SO FAR 40 HAVE RETURNED WITH TWO ROUTES - Filenews 3/3
Israeli authorities are using cargo ships to repatriate medical personnel who are unable to return to Israel from abroad after the start of the war against Iran that has cut off transport and especially air transport.
A spokesman for shipping company ZIM Shipping told Reuters that its cargo ships were making the route between the ports of Limassol and Haifa in an operation coordinated by the Israeli Ministry of Transport, major Israeli hospitals and the company.
So far, 40 doctors have returned on two routes - one took place today - and more routes between the Cypriot and Israeli ports are planned to repatriate perhaps hundreds of doctors needed to treat the wounded by the Iranian missile attacks.
"It's the easiest way to get them back, since there are no flights," said the unnamed ZIM Shipping spokesman.
ZIM is changing the routes of ships that usually connect Israel with Mediterranean ports, such as Greek and Italian ports, and is making arrangements to ensure that the 15-hour journey between Cyprus and Israel will be safe and comfortable for Israeli doctors.
Israeli airlines have launched repatriation flights through Tamba in Egypt bordering the resort of Eilat in southern Israel. But from there, travellers have to move north to reach Israel's major cities on a long journey by car or bus.
Reuters
