Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz today announced the end of the special emergency status in southern Israel. This status had been in place since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The change takes effect on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. local time. Katz made the decision based on a recommendation from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The emergency status gave the IDF's Home Front Command power to enforce rules. These rules protected people near the Gaza border. They limited large gatherings to 2,000 people. They also let the army close off areas if needed. Now, these limits will go away. People in the south can hold bigger events again. Daily life can return to normal.
Katz said the move shows a new security situation. Israeli forces have fought hard against Hamas for two years. Their actions changed the threats in the area. "We have created a different reality," Katz stated. He praised the troops for their work. The IDF agrees the risks are lower now.
This comes after a ceasefire started on October 10, 2025. The deal is part of a 20-point plan from U.S. President Donald Trump. The first phase includes swapping hostages for prisoners. Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. Hamas will free Israeli hostages. About 251 people were taken hostage on October 7, 2023. Many are still held.
The plan also aims to rebuild Gaza. A new government will take over without Hamas. Arab countries and others will help train police there. But not all agree. Jordan's King Abdullah said his country will not send troops to Gaza. He noted that half of Jordan's people have Palestinian roots. Jordan has taken in 2.3 million Palestinian refugees over time. The king worries about getting involved in the fight.
Israel still wants to destroy Hamas's military power. Katz said the country will keep working to demilitarize Gaza. The war has caused much damage. In Gaza, over 68,500 people have died, mostly women and children. More than 170,000 are hurt. The fighting started after Hamas killed about 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. Most were civilians.
The emergency started right after that attack. Then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared it nationwide. Over time, rules eased in other parts of Israel. But the south kept them because of the Gaza border. In June 2025, Israel fought a 12-day war with Iran. After that, most national limits ended. Yet southern areas stayed under emergency until now.
For locals, this is a big step. Communities near Gaza faced constant fear. Rockets and attacks were common. Many people left their homes. Schools and businesses closed often. Now, they hope for peace. But some worry. The ceasefire is new. Hamas has not given up all weapons. Fighters still try to control parts of Gaza.
Officials see this as a win. The IDF says the war in Gaza is mostly over. They are even thinking about awards for soldiers from October 7. But Israel has not said the whole war is done. Tensions remain high.
The United Nations talks about peace efforts. Peace enforcement might use force. Peacekeeping needs all sides to agree. Force is only for self-defense. The Trump plan mixes these ideas. It calls for stable forces from outside.
Israel's move shows confidence. The south can heal after two years. Families can gather without limits. Events like weddings can be big again. Schools may run without alerts.
Yet challenges persist. Gaza needs rebuilding. Homes, hospitals, and roads are destroyed. Aid must flow in. The new government must work. Without Hamas, who will lead? Palestinians want a say.
Regionally, Egypt and Jordan watch closely. They have experience with security. But they fear more conflict. Rival groups in Palestine could fight each other.
Katz's announcement marks progress. It ends a tough time for the south. People there showed strength. Soldiers fought bravely. Now, focus shifts to lasting peace.
This decision affects daily life. Farmers can work fields without worry. Kids can play outside more. Tourists might return to the area.
But security stays key. Israel will watch the border. Troops remain ready. The ceasefire must hold.
In summary, after two years, southern Israel steps toward normal. The emergency ends Tuesday. Thanks to military efforts and the new deal. Hope grows, but caution remains.
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