Israel Declares Gaza Border Area a ‘Closed Military Zone’

Israel has declared the areas surrounding the besieged Gaza Strip a “closed military zone.” The order took effect at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday (July 19) and will remain in force until 8:00 a.m. on Monday (July 20).

According to The Times of Israel , the decision was made ahead of a large march organized by the right-wing settler group Nahala, which supports the re-establishment of Israeli settlements inside the Gaza Strip.

The report said the closed military zone stretches from Yad Mordechai in the north, along Route 23, to Kerem Shalom in the south.

The report, citing an Israeli military official, said the restriction was imposed after members of the Nahala movement planned to enter the Gaza Strip without authorization.