Israel has declared a new closed military zone along its border with Egypt to combat the growing threat of weapons smuggling via drones, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday.
Katz said he had instructed the army to tighten security measures and update engagement protocols to stop drone deliveries intended to supply armed groups in Gaza.
“Weapon smuggling via drones is part of the war in Gaza and is meant to arm our enemies. All possible measures must be taken to stop it,” Katz stated.
The announcement came as Israel confirmed that the remains of Tanzanian student Joshua Loitu Mollel were among those recently handed over by Hamas under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire deal mediated by US President Donald Trump.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and the military verified that Mollel’s body was returned after identification. He became the 22nd individual whose remains have been repatriated since the truce began on October 10.
The list includes 19 Israelis, one Thai national, one Nepali, and Mollel, who was 21 at the time of his death. Mollel had been studying in Israel under an agricultural internship programme when he was killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
“Amid their grief and the knowledge that their hearts will never fully heal, Joshua’s return offers some comfort to a family that has endured unbearable uncertainty for over two years,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.
The Israeli government continues to coordinate with international partners to recover the remaining hostages and prevent further escalation along its southern border.
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