Israeli Soldiers Fire on Palestinians Approaching Gaza Border, Killing 3
Israeli troops shot and killed at least three Palestinians on Sunday as groups of people approached the border fence in multiple locations along the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military said its forces opened fire to disperse crowds near Kibbutz Nahal Oz and east of Gaza City, warning that individuals who approach the security perimeter would be targeted. Palestinian media reported that three people were killed near Gaza City and another woman was shot east of Khan Yunis.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the situation at the border has worsened following its recent withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, a strategic military position inside Gaza. “This is a very unusual incident resulting from the withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor,” the IDF said in a statement. “Warning shots were fired, there are several casualties at the site as a result of the shooting. The others fled back beyond the perimeter, and if they had approached again, shots would have been fired to hit them.”
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
Israeli authorities have warned Palestinians against approaching the security fence and buffer zone, where troops remain stationed. Military sources say that “dozens of incidents” occur daily involving people attempting to move closer to the border, requiring soldiers to respond with gunfire.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir claimed that such movements indicate preparations for another large-scale attack. “They are positioning themselves for the next massacre,” he said, referencing Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israeli communities near Gaza.
Calls for harsher military responses have gained traction among right-wing politicians and security groups. The “Mothers of Soldiers” organization urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a more aggressive border policy, stating, “Only shoot-to-kill orders will bring security.” Former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman also called for expanding Israel’s security perimeter, suggesting a 1-kilometer buffer zone inside Gaza.
The incident highlights ongoing border security concerns as Palestinians return to neighborhoods along Salah al-Din Street following Israeli withdrawals from some positions. The government continues to debate how to prevent further infiltrations while avoiding a broader escalation in Gaza.
