Cyprus is playing a key role in helping repatriate Israeli doctors and nurses stranded abroad after Israel closed its airspace amid escalating tensions with Iran, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
According to the report, Israel’s Health Ministry has launched an emergency operation to bring home about 1,300 medical workers, including roughly 500 deemed essential.
The first group of 20 was expected to depart from a Cypriot port on a container vessel, a trip of about eight hours with life‑jacket provisions in place. If the initial voyage proceeds smoothly, a second mission involving about 70 additional workers could follow as early as the next day.
Israeli authorities are also examining alternative land routes through neighboring countries should the suspension of flights continue.