Shocking standoff at Gaza border: Protesters storm military zone with 'Gush Katif' sign

The indictment was filed today (Monday) against the seven defendants for a security-related incident that took place about a year ago.

According to the indictment, on February 29, 2024, in the afternoon hours, around 100 people gathered near the Sderot train station and marched toward the Erez Crossing, which had been closed since the start of the "Iron Swords" war, including the defendants.

Upon reaching the Erez Crossing, about twenty people crossed the concrete wall through the opening in the crossing and entered several hundred meters into the Gaza Strip. IDF soldiers stationed there worked to return them, either by pulling them back or transporting them in military vehicles, and then created a human barrier to prevent further infiltration. Meanwhile, many of the people gathered, including the defendants, crossed the metal fence and erected two makeshift structures using wooden planks they had brought with them. On one of the structures, they hung a sign with the inscription "Gush Katif."

IDF soldiers instructed the protesters to leave the area, emphasizing that it was a closed military zone. Police forces were called to the Erez Crossing to assist with the evacuation, and most of the protesters left the area as instructed. However, some of the defendants sat on the floor of one of the makeshift structures and refused to leave, requiring the police and soldiers to remove them using reasonable force. Some of the defendants, including the minor, actively resisted, and as a result, some of the officers fell during the evacuation.

The seven defendants, including one minor, were charged with entering a military zone without authorization. All of the defendants, except for Azaria, were also charged with obstructing a police officer in the performance of their duties.