Jerusalem, May 1 -- One of Israel's largest wildfires in recent history has erupted on the outskirts of Jerusalem, prompting mass evacuations and a call for international aid. The blaze, which began on Memorial Day, has scorched nearly 3,000 acres and injured at least 13 people, though no fatalities have been reported so far.

Fanned by dry conditions and powerful winds reaching 90-100 km/h, the fires spread rapidly along Route 1-connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-forcing people to abandon their vehicles and flee. Videos showed plumes of thick smoke engulfing the Jerusalem hills, prompting authorities to shut down major roads and restrict access to national parks and forests.

Over 160 firefighting teams and dozens of aircraft, including m...