Story perspectives

Israeli Rescue Team Begins Fifth Day in Venezuelan Quake Aftermath

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli rescue team started its fifth day in Venezuela, searching rubble and recovering bodies.
Delegation led by Yoad Magen and Brig. Gen. Elad Edri arrived to coordinate relief with authorities.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez thanked Israel, noting coordination through the Jewish community and Rabbi Yitzhak Cohen.
The quakes killed 2,300 people, left thousands injured, 41,136 missing, damaged 59,000 buildings, and led UN coordinator Gianluca Rampolla to procure 10,000 body bags.

History

Historical Context

In January 2010 a magnitude-7.0 quake struck Haiti, killing an estimated 220,000 and prompting a global response; Israel sent a 30-member IDF search-and-rescue team with 12 tons of medical supplies, while Brazil and Venezuela each contributed hundreds of tons of aid. That coordinated, large-scale assistance created a template of Israeli humanitarian diplomacy that now guides its joint relief efforts with Latin American governments.

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Story summary

Israeli rescue team started its fifth day in Venezuela, searching rubble and recovering bodies.
Delegation led by Yoad Magen and Brig. Gen. Elad Edri arrived to coordinate relief with authorities.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez thanked Israel, noting coordination through the Jewish community and Rabbi Yitzhak Cohen.
The quakes killed 2,300 people, left thousands injured, 41,136 missing, damaged 59,000 buildings, and led UN coordinator Gianluca Rampolla to procure 10,000 body bags.

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