Israeli firefighting troops worked for a second day to put out wildfires near Jerusalem, which started on Wednesday along the key Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. The fire caused evacuations and major road closures, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Israel's firefighting department, 163 ground crews and 12 aircraft were dispatched to tackle the fire. Crews worked all night to reopen all main highways, including the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway.

Rescue agency Magen David Adom reported treating 23 people, mostly for smoke inhalation and burns. Seventeen firefighters were also injured, according to AlJazeera.

Police confirmed on Thursday that all roads affected by the fires had been reopened to traffic.