IDF stops protest march near Gaza-border
The IDF stopped a protest march by dozens of Gaza-border residents which left from Kibbutz Nirim towards an exposed Gaza tunnel shaft, demonstrating against the withdrawal of IDF protection in the area.
GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Sami Turgeman signed a directive declaring the area a closed military zone out of concern for the residents' safety. The locals are protesting an IDF decision to end military security on Sunday for towns near the border with Gaza. IDF officials said the soldiers were unnecessary as sufficient defense measures were used to secure the towns.
