Israeli military seals Gaza border area before planned settler march

The Israeli military has declared the entire area surrounding the Gaza Strip a closed military zone. This move comes ahead of a march organized by a right-wing Israeli settler group, according to reports from Israeli media. The group, known as Nahala, plans to hold a 'March of Thousands' starting from the Yad Mordechai area later today. The marchers aim to reestablish Israeli settlements inside Gaza, which were removed in 2005. The group's slogan is 'returning home after 21 years,' referring to the evacuation of settlements nearly two decades ago. The military's closure restricts access to the Gaza periphery for both Israelis and Palestinians. This development follows heightened tensions in the region. The march is expected to proceed despite the closure. No immediate comment from the military or the organizers was available. The situation remains monitored by international observers. The Israeli military frequently imposes such closures during periods of unrest or planned protests to maintain security. Gaza has been under an Israeli-led blockade since 2007, and the area has seen periodic escalations of violence.