Residents Protest Hamas Strengthening Near Gaza Border, Clash With Minister Gilad Erdan

Dozens of activists and residents from the Gaza border area protested on Tuesday in Karm Salem, demanding an end to the threat posed by incendiary balloons and the prevention of Hamas's strengthening. Protesters held Israeli flags and signs reading "Stop Hamas Reconstruction" and "Care for Southern Residents' Security." During the event, Minister Gilad Erdan began to speak but was met with hostility from participants who accused him of politicizing the event, shouting, "You are using us! This is not a political event! If not, you wouldn’t have come here; you only talk politics."

Amit Caspi, a member of Kibbutz Karm Salem, warned that a repeat of the October 7 attacks could occur. He pointed out that Hamas militants were able to approach the kibbutz fence just 50 meters away on that day without resistance, infiltrating the community. Caspi emphasized that the threat remains, stating that 500 Hamas operatives could still run toward the border unchecked. He also opposed plans to build a new neighborhood called "Green Rafah" near Karm Salem, labeling it a settlement for militants and insisting it will not happen.

Danny Rahamim, a resident of Nahal Oz who attended the protest, expressed firm opposition to Hamas's continued control over Gaza, saying, "There is no chance we will accept Hamas still ruling Gaza, it will not happen." The protest also voiced opposition to the introduction of foreign forces into Gaza. The event highlighted ongoing security concerns among southern Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip and frustration with government responses.