Israel will impose a general closure of the West Bank and shut crossings into Gaza on October 5 and October 7, COGAT announced. Movement through West Bank crossings will be limited to approved humanitarian, medical and other exceptional cases; essential health workers and those covered by state commitments to the High Court of Justice will be permitted to cross. Crossings to Gaza will be closed on those days, though aid already sent through Kerem Shalom will be collected from the Gazan side. COGAT said the two-day restrictions are not expected to alter the overall humanitarian situation.
Israel To Close West Bank And Gaza Crossings On Oct. 5 And 7 During October 7 Commemorations, COGAT Says
A view shows a sign as trucks carrying aid (not pictured) wait at the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing to southern Gaza, October 20, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY)
Israel will impose a general closure on the West Bank and close crossings into the Gaza Strip on October 5 and October 7 as part of commemorations related to October 7, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced on Sunday.
What To Expect
The closures follow a security assessment and a decision by the defence minister. During the two days, movement through West Bank crossings will be allowed only for approved humanitarian and medical cases and for other exceptional circumstances, all subject to COGAT authorization.
Exceptions include essential health-care workers, people whose movement is protected by state commitments to the High Court of Justice, and individuals who must cross for matters connected to the Seam Zone.
A young Palestinian sits and two IDF soldiers stand at the entrance of the Qalandiya crossing, 2019. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Gaza Crossings And Humanitarian Aid
Crossings into the Gaza Strip will be closed on both dates; COGAT said no new humanitarian consignments will enter the enclave on those days. Aid already moved through the Kerem Shalom crossing, however, will continue to be collected from the Gazan side as usual, and Kerem Shalom remains a central route for humanitarian deliveries.
COGAT added that the two-day measures are not expected to change the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza. It said that humanitarian deliveries have continued during the ceasefire under mechanisms it oversees, and in July reported that roughly 1.78 million tonnes of food entered Gaza between October 2025 and June 2026, a level COGAT said exceeded UN benchmarks.
Photo: A young Palestinian sits while two IDF soldiers stand at the entrance of the Qalandiya crossing, 2019. (Credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Operational Notes
COGAT will review and approve exceptional crossings on a case-by-case basis. Authorities said the restrictions are temporary and tied specifically to the commemorative dates.
For travelers and aid organizations: Plan around the October 5 and October 7 restrictions, confirm any required approvals with COGAT in advance, and note that routine shipments to Gaza may be paused on those dates.
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