Israel has officially lifted the state of emergency for communities bordering Gaza, marking the first such decision since the October 2023 Hamas attack. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the move on Monday, stating it reflects the “new security reality in the south of the country.” The decision follows the Israeli military’s recommendation and comes as a ceasefire, initiated on October 10, remains largely intact. Katz’s office emphasized that this is the first time the special state of emergency has been revoked since the October 7 attack. The ceasefire’s continued stability has allowed for this significant shift in security measures, signaling a cautious but hopeful step toward normalcy in the region.