IDF Detains Israelis Entering Gaza Without Authorization | Gaza Strip News
- February 20, 2026 – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday it had detained dozens of Israeli civilians who crossed into the Gaza Strip overnight without authorization.
- Among those reportedly involved in the incursion was far-right member of Knesset (MK) Limor Son Har-Melech, along with members of Nachala, a radical organization advocating for Jewish settlement...
- Har-Melech publicly acknowledged the entry on social media, stating that she and others – including women, men, and children – had entered Gaza “together with the Nachala movement.”...
IDF Detains Israelis Who Illegally Entered Gaza, Condemns Action
– The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday it had detained dozens of Israeli civilians who crossed into the Gaza Strip overnight without authorization. The unauthorized entry prompted a strong condemnation from the military, which cited risks to both civilians and its own personnel.
Among those reportedly involved in the incursion was far-right member of Knesset (MK) Limor Son Har-Melech, along with members of Nachala, a radical organization advocating for Jewish settlement in both Gaza and the West Bank. According to Israel’s state-owned broadcaster Kan 11, the group crossed the border intentionally.
Har-Melech publicly acknowledged the entry on social media, stating that she and others – including women, men, and children – had entered Gaza “together with the Nachala movement.” Her post continued with the assertion, “Gaza is ours forever. Only in this way will we ensure victory and true security for the people of Israel.”
The IDF stated that its surveillance units monitored the civilians throughout the incident. Troops were dispatched to the area to apprehend the individuals and return them to Israeli territory. Following their return, the detainees were handed over to the Israel Police for further processing.
The IDF’s statement explicitly condemned the unauthorized crossings, emphasizing the potential dangers they posed. The military did not specify the exact number of individuals detained, but confirmed it was “dozens.”
The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and heightened tensions in the region. Recent reports from the BBC indicate continued fighting between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas reportedly reasserting control in Gaza despite suffering heavy losses. The BBC also reported eleven deaths resulting from Israeli strikes in Gaza five days prior to the incident, and twenty deaths four days prior. A key Rafah border crossing with Egypt was reopened on , though only a limited number of Palestinian patients were able to access medical treatment in Egypt.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid organizations reporting insufficient levels of assistance despite increased access since a ceasefire began three months ago. Al Jazeera reports that Palestinians in Gaza have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, fearing it will further entrench the occupation.
Meanwhile, separate reports indicate internal issues within Israel, with an Israeli military reservist on active duty, Bezalel Zini, charged with smuggling cigarettes into Gaza in exchange for $117,000. This incident, reported on , highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding security and control in the region.
Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to Gaza, a move that would make it the first country to do so under the terms of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US last year, according to the BBC. Qatar has also pledged $1 billion for a Gaza peace mission.
The IDF’s condemnation of the unauthorized entry underscores the sensitivity surrounding access to Gaza and the potential for escalation. The incident raises questions about the motivations of those involved and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict and efforts to achieve a lasting peace.