IDF rescue workers in action. (Amit Schechter/IDF spokesman)

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Israel is hosting a multi-national exercise which will improve the response to a regional disaster. 

Israel is the site of an international drill providing participants an opportunity to exchange knowledge to more effectively respond to disaster situations, especially along and across mutual borders.

The Middle East Forest Fires (MEFF) joint international exercise taking place in Jerusalem, is conducted under the sponsorship of Italy, France and Spain, and held in participation and under the cooperation of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).

“The joint exercise, supported by the European Commission’s Civil Protection Exercise program, aims to preserve lives and natural resources, regardless of nationality and or borders,” Israel’s foreign ministry stated on Tuesday, the day the exercise kicked off.

Some 400 active participants representing first response, firefighting, medical care and humanitarian aid agencies from various countries will simulate a scenario in which regional disaster strikes, and spills from one country to its neighbors.

The exercise is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.

“It is especially inspiring to note that Palestinians, Jordanians and Israelis will be working side-by-side with a single common objective: saving lives, irrespective of nationality,” Israel stated.

Israel has accumulated vast experience in managing mass casualty incidents over the years, and lends its expertise to countries around the globe.

Israel also has a proud history of leading humanitarian, medical and logistical assistance to countries in distress around the world.