Israel said on Monday that it had received a Syrian request for assistance with earthquake relief for the Arab state and that it was prepared to oblige, in what would be rare cooperation between the enemy neighbours.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech he had ordered Israeli aid sent to Turkey, the epicentre of Monday’s earthquake, with the airlifts due to depart towards evening.
“Since a request was also received to do this for many victims of the earthquake in Syria, I instructed to do this as well,” he said near Tel Aviv.
In later televised remarks to his party, Netanyahu said the request for relief for Syria had been relayed “by a diplomatic official” - whom he did not identify. “I approved this, and I reckon that these things will be carried out soon,” Netanyahu said.
Syrian officials have reported hundreds killed in the civil war-torn country, both in areas under Damascus’ control and in the Opposition-held northwest. Asked who had made the request regarding Syria cited by Netanyahu, an Israeli official told Reuters: “The Syrians”.
Asked if this referred to opposition members or to President Bashar al-Assad’s government, the official said only: “Syria”. There was no immediate Syrian response.
Putin condolences
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered condolences for the victims of the strong earthquake and pledged to send rescue teams and assistance, Syria’s presidency said.
India sending relief
India said it was sending medical squads, search and rescue teams and relief material to assist Turkey’s response. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said he was “anguished” by the loss of life in Turkey and Syria.
China concern
China expressed condolences and concern for the loss of life and property, and is in communications with both Turkey and Syria, a spokesperson from China International Development Cooperation Agency said.
EU dispatching teams
The EU said it was urgently dispatching search and rescue teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania to Turkey to help. In a statement, the bloc also said it was directing its satellite system to support Turkish efforts in mapping the quake and its aftermath.
US assistance
The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Washington was “profoundly concerned” by the earthquake and stood “ready to provide any and all needed assistance” to Turkey.