The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent warning to residents near Gaza today as the latest ceasefire went into effect, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
"Do not approach IDF forces until further notice," warned IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee in a statement released at 2:09 PM local time. "Our troops remain deployed in specific areas throughout Gaza, and any approach to these positions poses a serious safety risk."
The warning comes amid mounting concerns over Israel's decision to transfer control of the Rafah crossing to the Palestinian Authority under UN supervision. Security officials, speaking to Israel Hayom, identified four major risks: potential weapons smuggling into Gaza, terrorist infiltration from the Sinai Peninsula, possible hostage transfers out of Gaza, and the risk of Hamas leaders escaping and becoming propaganda figures.
These concerns appear well-founded - within 24 hours of the ceasefire taking effect, IDF forces were forced to fire warning shots at the Rafah crossing after Hamas militants attempted to seize control. This incident directly contradicts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated assurances of maintaining Israeli oversight of the crossing.
The military has also imposed strict movement restrictions throughout Gaza. The Netzarim road remains closed, and officials have banned all maritime activities, including fishing and swimming, along the Gaza coast. Residents have been specifically warned to avoid the buffer zone and the Philadelphia corridor near the Egyptian border.
"Movement between southern and northern Gaza remains hazardous due to ongoing military operations," Adraee emphasized. "We will issue clear guidelines when safe passage becomes available."
ICE contributed to this article.
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