Israel said the evacuations took place at request of the United States and European powers (AFP)
Hundreds of rescue volunteers from the Syrian Civil Defence were evacuated to Jordan by Israel at the request of the United States and European powers.
Up to 800 rescue volunteers along with their families were evacuated from southern Syria.
The evacuations took place as fears mounted for the safety of the rescue workers as Syrian government forces edged closer to taking control of southern Syria.
The group, known famously as the White Helmets, is a network of first responders which rescue wounded in the aftermath of air strikes, shelling or explosions in rebel-areas.
Since its formation, when Syria's conflict was nearing its third year, more than 200 of its volunteers have died and another 500 have been wounded.
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Jordan had confirmed that it had authorised the evacuation of the rescue workers from southern Syria and said that they would be resettled in Britain, Canada and Germany.
"The [Jordanian] government gave the permission after Britain, Germany and Canada made a legally binding undertaking to resettle them within a specified period due to a 'risk to their lives'," the kingdom said.
Israel confirmed the evacuation and said that the transfer was an "exceptional humanitarian gesture" done at the request of the "United States and additional European countries".
"The civilians were evacuated from the war zone in southern Syria due to an immediate threat to their lives," the Israeli army said on Twitter.
"The transfer of the displaced Syrians through Israel is an exceptional humanitarian gesture."
Surrounded and in danger
White Helmets head Raed Saleh said the evacuees had arrived in Jordan after being "surrounded in a dangerous region".
They were encircled in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, he said, including a number trapped between the Israeli border at the Golan Heights and advancing Russia-backed regime troops, he told AFP.
British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt said in a statement on Sunday that the UK had to evacuate the White Helmets to ensure their "immediate protection."
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said she "called for global leadership to support and help these heroes" during a meeting of foreign ministers at a Nato leaders' summit in Brussels a week ago.
The White Helmets have rescued thousands of civilians trapped under the rubble or caught up in fighting in battered opposition-held zones along various fronts of Syria's seven-year conflict.
The group's motto – "To save one life is to save all of humanity" – is drawn from a verse in the Quran, although the White Helmets insist they treat all victims, regardless of religion.
Some members have received training abroad, including in Turkey, returning to instruct colleagues on search-and-rescue techniques.
The group receives funding from a number of governments, including Britain, Germany and the United States. It also solicits individual donations to purchase equipment like its signature hard hats.
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