Hundreds Establish New Settlement Facing Gaza

Over 700 people, including dozens of families, established a new settlement named 'Halutzei Gaza' (Pioneers of Gaza) overnight near the Gaza border. The rapid establishment involved setting up structures and basic infrastructure. Participants included families with children, rabbis, public figures, and Knesset members, notably bereaved families and war wounded who aimed to send a message that the sacrifices made in the recent war were not in vain and that immediate settlement is the response to the enemy.

Bereaved father Itzik Pitosi stated from the site, "Whoever doesn't understand what victory is, tonight received the answer: settling in Gaza, returning home. We, the bereaved families, demand victory. This is how you win, by settling!" Chaim Tzur, father of a fallen soldier, expressed honor in participating, calling the step a precursor to government decisions and flourishing settlements. Amichai Schindler, a severely wounded survivor, emphasized that the response to those who attacked is to build and settle. War wounded Kfir Zer added that soldiers sacrificed their lives for people to live there and called on the Israeli government to enter Gaza and begin settlement immediately.

The initiative received backing from within the government and the ruling party. Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi accompanied activists, calling them "heroic pioneers" and stating, "With God's help, we will continue to plant and deepen roots in all the land of our ancestors' inheritance, including the Gaza Strip." Likud branch leaders present also called on the Prime Minister to declare settlement in the northern Gaza border area, with one stating, "Gaza is ours." Another branch chairman asserted that settlement is security and urged the Prime Minister to support the move and begin settling Gaza.

Daniela Weiss, chairwoman of the Nahala movement, outlined the goal as establishing Jewish settlement in Gaza, with settlement nuclei ready to move into the Strip. The movement issued a statement demanding the government immediately order the relocation of the settlement into Gaza's northern border area, asserting that only taking land and settling will instill a clear sense of defeat in the enemy. They are prepared to move in for Israel's security and called for the next government's platform to include establishing settlements in Gaza, canceling the disengagement law, and encouraging immigration.