IDF Declares Closed Military Zone Around Gaza to Block Settler March
The Israel Defense Forces declared the entire Gaza periphery a closed military zone to prevent a planned 'March of Thousands' organized by the Nahala settler group. The group intended to enter the Gaza Strip illegally to re-establish settlements. The closure, covering areas from Yad Mordechai to Kerem Shalom, is in effect until Monday morning. Military sources cited the illegality of entering the enclave and the risk of further regional destabilization as the primary reasons for the restriction.