Israeli Military Blocks Roads Near Gaza After Settler Outpost Attempt

The Israeli military closed roads near the Gaza border communities of Nahal Oz and Kfar Aza after settlers from the "Nahala" movement attempted to establish a new outpost in the Shomroni Forest overnight. The settlers aimed to set up the outpost near the border fence with the Gaza Strip. Israeli police dispersed the activists from the area, and the military declared the zone between the border fence and Israeli communities a closed military area to prevent their return. The "Nahala" movement claimed over 700 people, including families, rabbis, Knesset members, and families of fallen soldiers, participated in the attempt to establish the settlement they named "Pioneers of Gaza." However, military sources estimated the number of participants at around 50, noting that organizers had placed structures and basic infrastructure as part of their effort. The group reached the Shomroni Forest, located between Israeli settlements and the Gaza border fence. The military subsequently closed roads leading west to the area to prevent unauthorized access. Military police deployed forces to prevent activists from bypassing checkpoints and reaching the border fence, amid concerns they might use alternative routes to return or infiltrate Gaza. The "Nahala" movement stated its action was intended to initiate the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza and urged the next government to include settlement establishment in its platform, repeal the disengagement law, and encourage emigration from Gaza. They also called for moving the outpost to a "Northern Gathering" area within Gaza, asserting that controlling land and establishing settlements would signal Israel's victory in the war.