The move is seen as a symbolic step toward normalcy for Gaza-border communities.

JNS Staff Report
Oct. 15, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces has announced that Zikim Beach, located near the Gaza border, will reopen to the public this Thursday, Oct. 16, marking the first time the area has been accessible since the start of the war two years ago.

The decision was made following an operational situation assessment by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who instructed the Southern Command to coordinate with the Hof Ashkelon (“Ashkelon Coast”) RegionalCouncil in lifting the closed military zone order that had been in effect since October 2023.

According to the IDF, the move follows “significant operational activities carried out by IDF troops under the Southern Command in the area of the northern Gaza Strip, as well as a structured combat procedure conducted in the Southern Command and the Israeli Navy in recent weeks.”

Troops will continue operating in the northwestern Negev to ensure the safety of residents.

“The IDF views the opening of the beach as an additional step in the rehabilitation of the area,” the statement said, adding that “every effort was made to ensure that the beach is opened to the public in the safest and most effective manner.”

Kibbutz Zikim and the Zikim community is part of the Jewish Federations of North America and Jewish Agency for Israel Communities2Gether program. The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, has partnered with the Zikim community as part of the program since its solidarity mission in February 2023.