Israel has evacuated 800 White Helmets rescuers and their family members threatened by advancing Syrian regime forces to Jordan for resettlement in Britain, Canada and Germany, Amman said Sunday.
Founded in 2013, the Syria Civil Defense, or White Helmets, is a network of first responders which rescues wounded in the aftermath of air strikes, shelling or explosions in rebel-held territory.
Jordan "authorized the United Nations to organize the passage of 800 Syrian citizens through Jordan to be resettled in western countries," the kingdom said.
"The government gave the permission after Britain, Germany and Canada made a legally binding undertaking to resettle them within a specified period of time due to 'a risk to their lives'."
An Israeli government source confirmed Israel's military had rescued 800 people who were taken to Jordan.
"Upon request of the U.S., Canada and European states Israel has completed a humanitarian effort to rescue members of a Syrian civil organization ('White Helmets') and families," Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon tweeted.