Israel declares areas near Gaza border 'military zones,' prohibits public movement

The areas near the Gaza border in Israel have been declared a military zone and movement of civilians in these areas have been strictly prohibited. The Israel Defense Force (IDF), in a statement, also said that crossing the designated area will be deemed as an offence. 

“The IDF emphasizes that the area of the Gaza Division has been declared a closed military zone and reiterates that entry is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious security risk, as well as a criminal offense,” the IDF said in a statement. 

“IDF soldiers are conducting combat activity in the area and entering it endangers lives as well as harms the IDF’s activities,” it further said. The new military zone includes major cities like Ashkelon, Sderot and Netivot. 

“The IDF asks the public to be alert, and not to enter the prohibited area in order to allow the security forces to continue to carry out their missions,” the statement read. 

More than 1000 Israelis killed, over 3000 injured

According to the Israeli government, more than 1000 citizens have been killed and over 3000 have been injured in the attack by Hamas which began on October 7. The government says that Hamas has fired more than 5000 rockets from the Gaza strip.

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has launched a strong counterstrike and destroyed more than 2500 Hamas targets in Gaza. According to the Palestine Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza has crossed 1000 mark, BBC reported.