JERUSALEM — Israel has increased its military readiness in and around Gaza ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, with Defense Minister Israel Katz saying intelligence indicates Hamas may attempt attacks against Israeli forces on the anniversary.
Katz ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for what he described as possible attacks and “terror operations” against Israeli troops in Gaza. The announcement came Tuesday, one day before October 7, a date that remains deeply sensitive in Israel and across the region.
The Israeli government has not publicly released detailed intelligence supporting the warning. The claim about Hamas plans is therefore an Israeli security assessment, rather than an independently verified plan.
Israel prepares for possible Gaza attacks
According to Katz’s office, the military has been instructed to increase its readiness and prepare for a range of scenarios. The order comes as Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza despite a ceasefire framework that has reduced the scale of fighting compared with the earlier stages of the war.
Katz said Israeli forces should respond forcefully to intelligence or warnings indicating an imminent threat. He also issued a severe warning about the consequences if Israeli soldiers were attacked.
The statement has added to concerns that violence could increase around the October 7 anniversary, particularly given the symbolic importance of the date for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Israeli officials have remained focused on preventing another major attack on their forces or communities. Last year, on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack, a rocket launched from Gaza was reported near the Israeli border community of Netiv Ha’asara. Israeli authorities are now taking additional precautions ahead of this year’s anniversary.
Why October 7 remains a major security concern
The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault marked one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s modern history. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage, according to figures cited by international news organizations and Israeli authorities. The attack triggered Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and a conflict that has continued to shape Middle Eastern politics and U.S. foreign policy.
Three years later, the anniversary carries significant emotional and political weight. Memorial events are taking place in Israel, while Israeli military and political leaders continue to debate security failures surrounding the original attack and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely serious. Reuters reported Tuesday that Israeli strikes were still taking place in Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting deaths from recent attacks. Israel said the strikes targeted militants, while Hamas has denied accusations that it is rebuilding its military capabilities or preparing new attacks.
Ceasefire remains fragile
The latest alert comes amid continued uncertainty over the future of the Gaza ceasefire arrangement. Reuters reported that major parts of the broader peace plan remain unresolved, including Hamas disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Israel continues to argue that Hamas must be disarmed before a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza can take place. Hamas, meanwhile, has rejected Israeli accusations that it is deliberately preparing new attacks.
The disagreement leaves the region in a fragile position. Even limited violence could create new pressure on the ceasefire and complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a longer-term political arrangement for Gaza.
What happens next?
For now, Israeli forces are expected to maintain a heightened level of readiness through the October 7 anniversary. Security forces are likely to closely monitor developments in Gaza and along the Israeli border, while officials assess whether any intelligence points to an immediate threat.
The biggest question is whether the heightened alert will pass without a major incident. Israeli officials are clearly preparing for the possibility of attacks, but there is currently no independently verified evidence showing exactly what Hamas may be planning.
The anniversary is also expected to renew international attention on the events of October 7, the continuing consequences of the Gaza war and the difficult negotiations surrounding the territory’s future.
For civilians on both sides, the anniversary comes with continued uncertainty. Israel is focused on security and preventing another attack, while Palestinians in Gaza continue to face the consequences of a prolonged conflict and limited progress toward a lasting settlement.