The Israeli army and police announced today, Monday, the closure of areas in the "Gaza Envelope" in preparation for a gathering organized by settlers at the entrance to the "Netzarim" axis that divides the Gaza Strip, in the evening hours, and in anticipation of settlers storming into the Strip, with the aim of establishing settlement nuclei.

An Israeli security official said that the final location of the settlers' gathering had not yet been decided, but due to the size of the gathering, which is expected to be attended by between 700 and 1,500 settlers, it was decided to close off open areas and roads extensively "in order to maintain the safety of the worshipers and to ensure that security forces in the area are not obstructed," according to what was reported by the Haaretz website.

According to the announcement of right-wing and settler organizations, this gathering will begin at 6 pm at the entrance to the "Netzarim" axis, and at 8 pm prayers will be held on the occasion of the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av, which falls tomorrow and is considered the "anniversary of the destruction of the two temples." Rabbis known for their extremism, such as Dov Lior, and members of the Knesset and public figures from the extreme right will participate in these prayers.

This festival is described in the announcement of the right-wing and settler organizations as “a step on the way to the goal – Jewish settlement in the entire Gaza Strip.” This festival is organized under the slogan “No security control from strong settlement.”

The Israeli army said in a statement that the commander of the Southern Command, Yaron Finkelman, signed a military order to change the policy of the closed military zone in the "Gaza Envelope", which will go into effect at noon today. Within its framework, large areas will be closed to movement towards these areas, as well as the security fence area surrounding the Gaza Strip, without prior coordination.

The Israeli army has mobilized large forces at the security fence surrounding the Strip in order to prevent settlers from entering the Gaza Strip.