Key facts
- The Israeli military has declared the entire Gaza periphery a closed military zone.
- The closure is in preparation for a march organized by the Nahala settler group, advocating for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza.
- The march is scheduled to begin from the Yad Mordechai area.
- Several senior government ministers and members of the Knesset are expected to participate.
- The closed military zone will be in effect from Sunday morning until Monday morning.
- Demonstrators are prohibited from entering the area along the border fence.
The Israeli military has designated the entire Gaza periphery as a closed military zone ahead of a planned march by the right-wing Nahala movement, which advocates for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. The march, titled 'March of the Thousands,' is scheduled to commence from the Yad Mordechai area.
Organizers stated the march's goal is to 'return home after 21 years,' referencing the 2005 disengagement from Gush Katif. The closed military zone encompasses areas from the Yad Mordechai junction to the Sha'ar HaNegev and Kerem Shalom junctions, prohibiting demonstrators from reaching the border fence. The restrictions are set to be in effect from Sunday morning until Monday morning.
Several prominent government ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, are reportedly expected to attend the rally. Lawmakers from various parties within the governing coalition are also anticipated to participate. Some demonstrators have expressed intentions to cross into Gaza, an action prohibited by Israeli law. This march follows similar demonstrations organized by the Nahala movement in recent months, some of which have seen participants briefly cross the border before being escorted back by IDF forces.