Israeli Rescue Team Completes Venezuela Mission After Week of Aid Operations

After a week of intensive operations in Venezuela, Israel's rescue delegation returned home on Monday, receiving applause and thanks for their efforts. The team, deployed on June 28 following twin earthquakes, worked tirelessly alongside local forces at multiple high-rise collapse sites. They focused on complex search-and-rescue operations, successfully recovering numerous bodies from the rubble. The delegation also played a crucial role in opening key access routes, facilitating continued search-and-rescue activities by both local and international teams.

In parallel, a preliminary team from Israel's humanitarian assistance delegation arrived earlier in the week to support Venezuela's earthquake recovery. Led by Israeli Ambassador-designate to Mexico Yoed Magen and IDF Home Front Command Chief of Staff Brig.-Gen. Elad Edri, this team met with local authorities and first responders. The remainder of the main delegation was expected to join them soon to assist with post-earthquake rescue efforts and share expertise in emergency response, drawing on Israel's extensive international mission experience.

The devastating earthquakes have taken a significant toll on Venezuela. As of Sunday, the Information Ministry reported a death toll of 3,342, with 16,470 injured and 17,345 left homeless. Nearly 200 buildings have collapsed, leaving many residents in official shelters or tent encampments. An unofficial tally indicates over 41,000 people are still missing. Amidst the ongoing crisis, Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez defended the government's response, which has faced criticism for being delayed and inadequate, highlighting the immediate deployment of security forces and the creation of a new military unit for disaster management.

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At the airport, the delegation was received with applause and thanks for its aid.