Israel to close West Bank, Gaza crossings for October 7 remembrance ceremonies, COGAT says

During the closure, passage through crossings in the West Bank will be permitted only in humanitarian, medical, and other exceptional cases, subject to COGAT approval.

Israel will impose a general closure on the West Bank and close crossings into the Gaza Strip on Monday and Wednesday in connection with commemorations marking the October 7 massacre, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced on Sunday.

The closure will take effect on October 5 and October 7 following a security assessment and a decision by the defense minister, COGAT said.

During the closure, passage through crossings in the West Bank will be permitted only in humanitarian, medical, and other exceptional cases, subject to COGAT approval.

Essential healthcare workers will also be allowed to cross, as will people whose passage is covered by state commitments to the High Court of Justice and those who need to cross for matters connected to the Seam Zone.

The Gaza Strip crossings will also be closed on both days, and humanitarian aid will not enter the enclave. However, aid already transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing will continue to be collected from the Gazan side as usual, according to COGAT.

COGAT said the two-day closures were not expected to affect the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

COGAT continues to move aid into Gaza

Humanitarian aid has continued to move into Gaza during the ceasefire period through mechanisms overseen by COGAT. In July, COGAT said that approximately 1.78 million tons of food had entered Gaza between October 2025 and June 2026 and maintained that humanitarian supply levels exceeded UN benchmarks.

Kerem Shalom remains a central route for humanitarian supplies entering the Gaza Strip. COGAT has continued to oversee aid movements through the crossing while monitoring shipments and the collection and distribution process inside Gaza.