According to Haaretz, the IDF is preparing for the possibility that masses of Gaza Arabs will march on the western Negev. Officials fear that if large numbers of Gaza Arabs were to attempt to break through the Gaza security barrier, soldiers would need to use serious force, leading to a large number of casualties.
Hamas terrorists broke through Gaza’s border with Egypt in January, allowing roughly 700,000 Gaza Arabs to pour into Sinai for several days. The group threatened a similar action in northern Gaza.