Thousands March Near Gaza Border Demanding New Settlements in Northern Gaza Strip

On Sunday evening, thousands participated in a march near the Gaza Strip border calling for the establishment of three new settlements in the northern Gaza area, known as the "northern perimeter." The demonstrators urged the Israeli government to approve the plan before upcoming elections, emphasizing that the area is under Israeli military control, covering about 70% of the Gaza Strip.

The event included participation from ministers, Knesset members, and public figures. Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich stated that they had overcome the disgrace of the West Bank expulsions and vowed to persist in establishing settlements in Gaza. He warned that if the left-wing returns to power, the initiative could fail, leading to further evacuations and destruction. Smotrich called on the national camp to continue leading Israel in security, settlement, Jewish identity, and judicial reform.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir highlighted the unprecedented control over 70% of Gaza territory and advocated for Jewish settlement throughout Gaza, encouraging voluntary migration and the return of Israelis to the area. Economy Minister Nir Barkat supported the call, stressing the importance of holding onto the land and dismantling the Palestinian Authority, describing the northern Gaza foothold as a critical step.

Prior to the march, the IDF declared closed military zones in parts of the Gaza envelope to alter the march route. After negotiations, an agreement was reached, allowing the marchers to proceed from the entrance near Zikim Beach to a lookout point facing the Eli Sinai settlement and the northern Gaza perimeter.

The demonstration reflects a push by right-wing Israeli leaders and activists to expand Israeli presence in Gaza, leveraging military control and political momentum ahead of elections.