The Israeli army announced the partial opening of the military zone along the border with the Gaza Strip

The IDF statement said that this measure will allow the reopening of civilian areas in the western Negev from this afternoon, for the first time since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, the Times of Israel reports.

The affected areas have been closed to civilians since the Hamas attack which immediately sparked a war and led to the imposition of numerous security restrictions in the border area.

The updated order, signed by IDF Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Assor, limits the closed military zone to areas indicated on a revised map that includes key roads and areas adjacent to the occupied Palestinian enclave.

Entry to these zones remains restricted for the time being and only permanent residents, authorized agricultural workers and persons performing essential work will be permitted to enter by the IDF Internal Defense Command, and violators will face legal consequences.