Katz closes West Bank and Gaza crossings on October 7 anniversary

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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz decided to impose a comprehensive closure on the West Bank and close the Gaza Strip crossings on October 5 and 7, claiming security considerations related to commemorating the events of October 7.

On Sunday, Katz announced his approval of the Israeli army’s recommendation regarding closure, based on an assessment of the security situation, provided that the measures are implemented on the specified two days, according to what was reported by Israeli Channel 14.

While the Israeli decision stipulated not to allow exceptions to crossing into the West Bank except in specific cases, while allowing the passage of essential workers in the health sector, in addition to cases that are related to commitments made by Israel before the Supreme Court, or needs related to the seam zone.

Exceptions are also subject to the approvals of the competent Israeli authorities, according to the evaluation of each case.

Israel imposed a general closure on the West Bank during late September, coinciding with the Feast of Tabernacles, based on the army’s recommendation and security assessments.

These measures come before the third anniversary of the attacks of October 7, 2023, which began at dawn that day with a massive attack launched by Hamas and Palestinian factions from the Gaza Strip on Israeli towns and military sites, coinciding with the firing of thousands of rockets.

The next day, Israel declared war and began a massive military campaign on the Gaza Strip, which included air strikes and land and sea operations.

The Israeli authorities also imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, which included stopping the supply of electricity, water, fuel, and the entry of goods. The fighting led to widespread destruction and mass displacement of residents, according to United Nations reports.

According to the latest toll announced by the Ministry of Health in Gaza on October 3, the number of Palestinian deaths since the start of the war rose to 74,228 people, while the number of injured reached 175,188, according to what was reported by the Palestinian News Agency. The toll includes 1,445 dead since the ceasefire entered into force in October 2025.

The current closure measures also come before the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, to choose members of the twenty-sixth Knesset, in the first Israeli general elections since the attack of October 7, 2023. The twenty-fifth Knesset was dissolved in July 2026, opening the way for the next elections.

Since then, October 7th has become a pivotal date in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after the repercussions of the war spread to the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, and sparked continuous international diplomatic movements to stop the fighting and reach arrangements regarding the Gaza Strip and the hostages.