Israel uses cargo ships to repatriate doctors stranded abroad by war, bringing back 40 so far

Israeli authorities are using container ships to bring back dozens of essential medical staff stuck abroad due to the war with Iran, according to Israel’s cargo firm ZIM Shipping.

A ZIM official tells Reuters that its cargo ships are shuttling between Limassol in Cyprus and Haifa, in an operation coordinated between the Transportation Ministry, major Israeli hospitals and the company.

So far, 40 doctors have returned in two sailings — including one today — and more shuttles are planned this week to repatriate what could be hundreds of doctors, to deal with Israelis injured by Iranian missiles.

“It’s the easiest way to get them home when there are no flights,” says the official, who asked not to be named.

The doctors were away either at conventions or on holidays and now seek to “go back as fast as possible to their jobs in case of emergencies,” he adds.

ZIM is rerouting ships from usual shipping routes between Israel and Mediterranean ports such as those in Greece and Italy, and making makeshift arrangements on the cargo vessels to keep the doctors safe and comfortable during the 15-hour voyage from Cyprus.

Israeli airlines have begun repatriation flights via Taba in Egypt, which ​borders Eilat in southern Israel. However, passengers must then travel north to major cities, which takes hours by car or bus.

“This (cargo ship option) is far more efficient and easy,” the official says.