Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the closure of crossings into the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank on October 5 and October 7, coinciding with ceremonies marking the third anniversary of the October 7 cross-border operation "al-Aqsa Flood."

According to a Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announcement on Sunday, October 4, 2026, the general closure will take effect following a security assessment and decision by the defense minister.

The closure will be imposed on both the West Bank and Gaza Strip on October 5 and October 7. During the closure, passage through the West Bank will be permitted only in humanitarian, medical, and other exceptional cases, subject to COGAT approval.

According to Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post reporting today at 10:23 AM, the move does not affect Israelis using West Bank checkpoints.

COGAT said in a statement: "Following a security assessment and a decision by the defense minister, a general closure will be imposed on the West Bank and Gaza Strip."

The decision responds to recommendations from the Armed Forces ahead of October 7 remembrance ceremonies marking the October 7, 2023 massacre, described by Israel as the deadliest-ever day for Israel, which retaliated with a devastating offensive in Gaza.

The comprehensive closure affects Palestinian workers, patients, and movement between territories, while Israeli citizens can continue to use checkpoints.

This comes as Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza and the West Bank, with tensions rising ahead of anniversary dates.

Sources: Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, COGAT, Azernews - October 4, 2026