Volunteers search for seven family members missing in Nahal Gov area of southern Israel

A desperate search is underway for a family of seven who disappeared Monday afternoon in the Nahal Gov area of southern Israel. Volunteers from the Arava's Search and Rescue unit are combing the rugged terrain after the family failed to return from a hike.

The missing individuals include a father and his six children, aged nine to 19. They embarked on their hike from Kibbutz Ir Ovot in the Arava at 8:00 a.m., despite the prevailing intense heat and extreme weather conditions. The father had assured his wife they were well-equipped with ample water before setting off.

Communication was lost after the father informed his wife around 11:30 a.m. that the group was exhausted due to the high temperatures but expected to complete their hike within the next half hour. They have not been heard from since, prompting the emergency call.

The incident highlights the dangers of hiking in extreme desert conditions without adequate precautions, even when seemingly prepared. The ongoing search efforts are focused on locating the family as quickly as possible amidst the challenging environment.