JERUSALEM ø Israel will send humanitarian aid to Sri
Lanka, a major victim of the earthquake that has killed tens of thousands in
Southeast Asia.
Israel's military was ordered to provide aid and medical personnel to Sri
Lanka in wake of the earthquake on Dec. 26. But officials said Sri Lanka has
refused to allow the Israeli delegation into Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has, however, allowed the Israeli aid to
enter the country.
Officials said the delegation was to have comprised 150 rescue and
medical personnel including physicians, nurses and paramedics. The
delegation was to have been under the command of the Home Front Command
Staff chief Brig. Gen. Avraham Ben David.
"The delegation that will leave on IAF and leased aircraft, will be
equipped with medical equipment and supplies, water, food and other
equipment such as tents, blankets, mattresses and generators," an Israeli
military statement said on Tuesday.
The statement said a medical facility would be assembled at the
location. The facility would include medical specialists, an emergency
department, internal medicine department, pediatric department as well as
laboratory and X-ray facilities.
Thousands of Israelis were believed to be in the area of the earthquake
in such countries as India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, but there have been no
reports of Israeli casualties.