# Israel has lifted the state of emergency for areas near the border with Gaza for the first time since Hamas’s October 2023 attacks. Defence minister Israel Katz says the decision reflects the new security reality in the south of the country and came as a ceasefire that began on 10 October largely continued to hold. The state of emergency, which was active up to 80 kilometres from Gaza in southern Israel, granted authorities special powers to maintain public order and ensure civilian safety.
Israel lifts state of emergency for areas near the Gaza border