Israeli ministers lead march calling for settlements in Gaza

Israeli ministers lead march calling for settlements in Gaza Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 07/20/2026 - 11:16 Thousands join a settler rally near the Gaza border as ministers renew calls to rebuild Israeli settlements in the enclave Israelis march towards Gaza under the slogan 'After 21 years, we're returning home' near Kibbutz Zikim, 19 July (Reuters/Amir Cohen) Off Israeli ministers and lawmakers led a march towards the Gaza Strip on Sunday, calling for the re-establishment of settlements in the Palestinian enclave. Thousands joined the demonstration, organised by the Nachala settler movement under the slogan, "Returning home after 21 years", referring to Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. Nachala said at least 28 ministers and lawmakers took part, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.