Air and ground forces mobilised
From Turkey, two firefighting aircraft of the “Tractor” type are en route, while Serbia is dispatching a Kamov-type firefighting helicopter. France, in addition to deploying a Super Puma helicopter, is sending 200 personnel along with 28 water vehicles. Romania is contributing 44 personnel and four water vehicles, and Serbia is further bolstering the effort with 35 firefighters and 10 vehicles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the EU’s commitment to aiding Greece in this crisis. “We stand by Greece as it battles devastating fires,” she wrote. “The EU is sending support from the rescEU fleet: two planes from Italy and a helicopter from France. Additionally, fire brigades from the Czech Republic and Romania are being deployed. This is EU solidarity in action.”
Palestine offers its support
In a gesture of solidarity, the State of Palestine has also offered to send aid to Greece. The Palestinian Diplomatic Representation in Greece issued a statement on 12th August, announcing that President Mahmoud Abbas had sent letters to Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In these letters, President Abbas conveyed his “sincere solidarity” with Greece during this difficult time and expressed readiness to send Palestinian Civil Defense teams to assist Greek authorities in combating the fires.
President Abbas extended his prayers for the safety and prosperity of the Hellenic Republic, its government, and its people, while commending the tireless efforts of Greek Civil Defense teams in their fight to control the wildfires.
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