'Closed military zone': IDF stops civilians near Gaza barrier while attempting to cross border

Several civilians attempted to cross into the Gaza Strip from Israel on Thursday, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The civilians were intercepted by the military and promptly returned to Israel, with no one successfully breaching the border, the IDF confirmed. The area surrounding the barrier separating the two territories is classified as a closed military zone, with entry strictly forbidden, the IDF stressed in a statement.

The military did not provide details on the motivations behind the civilians' actions or their affiliations, noting that the most recent attempts to cross into Gaza have primarily been spearheaded by far-right groups advocating for Israeli settlement in the region. In July, the Nahala movement orchestrated a march towards Gaza, which concluded within the Israeli border following an accord between the organizers and the IDF.

Approximately 10,000 individuals took part in the march, commencing at Zikim beach and culminating in a vantage point overlooking the settlement of Elei Sinai and the northern frontier of Gaza. The movement's declaration emphasized its call for the "immediate establishment of the settlements of Nissanit, Dugit and Elei Sinai," urging the public to join in large numbers to support this "historic process," asserting that "with divine assistance, we shall soon be able to establish the first settlements in Gaza – the heavens are marking the border!"

In February, a comparable march – also concluding with a border crossing – was led by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, MK Limor Son Har-Melech, alongside dozens of activists from the movement. The IDF apprehended the activists and subsequently transferred them to the police.