IDF Seals Gaza Border Zone for 24 Hours to Block Nahala Settlement March
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 19
IDF Seals Gaza Border Zone for 24 Hours to Block Nahala Settlement March
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 19
Summary
A closed military zone took effect at 8 a.m. Sunday around Gaza, barring all non-residents until Monday morning ahead of a 5 p.m. Nahala march.
The order covers the area from Yad Mordechai to Kerem Shalom and blocks demonstrators from approaching the border fence, aiming to stop attempts to enter Gaza.
Nahala has promoted the rally under the slogan “After 21 years, we’re returning home,” with several right-wing MKs and bereaved families expected to attend in support of renewed Jewish settlement.
The movement has staged repeated Gaza-border marches since the 2023 war; about 1,500 joined a February protest, and in December some activists briefly crossed into Gaza before troops returned them.
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Israeli Resettlement Demands in Gaza: The 2026 Border March and Its Political, Legal, and Security Impact
Overview
On July 19, 2026, the Nachala movement led a major march to the Gaza border, demanding the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. This event directly challenged existing policies and military restrictions in the sensitive border area. The march gained strong backing from far-right cabinet ministers and Knesset members, including public support from figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Their involvement signaled a growing political push for this controversial agenda, highlighting a shift in government attitudes and increasing pressure for policy change regarding Gaza.