Israel has placed its military on heightened alert in the Gaza Strip ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to increase readiness and prepare for possible attacks on Israeli forces in Gaza on the anniversary. Katz said the decision followed intelligence indicating that Hamas may attempt attacks or other operations against Israeli troops.
Katz instructed the military to prepare for the most serious possible scenarios and to respond forcefully to intelligence or warnings of an imminent threat. He also warned that Hamas and the population of Gaza would face a severe response if Israeli forces were harmed. The directive comes as Israeli forces continue military operations in Gaza and security tensions remain high around the anniversary.
October 7 remains a major security and political flashpoint in Israel. The Hamas-led assault in 2023 killed about 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage to Gaza, according to figures based on Israeli official data. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in extensive destruction and a large Palestinian death toll, according to Gaza health authorities.
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The heightened readiness also follows continued uncertainty over the Gaza ceasefire arrangements. Reuters reported on Tuesday that key elements of the US-backed plan, including Hamas disarmament, a full Israeli withdrawal and Gaza's reconstruction, have made limited progress, while Israeli forces continue military activity in parts of the territory. The anniversary has therefore become a period of heightened security concern for Israeli authorities.
Last year, on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack, a rocket launched from Gaza targeted the Israeli border community of Netiv Ha'asara, according to Israeli military reporting. Israeli authorities are taking additional precautions this year amid the intelligence assessment regarding possible attacks on troops. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also reiterated that Hamas should not retain control of Gaza and that Israel will continue pursuing those involved in the October 7 attack.
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