After two years of war: Over 90% of residents have returned to Gaza Envelope area

More than 90% of residents have returned to the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip, according to a comprehensive report published on Wednesday by the Tekuma Authority, which has been leading the rehabilitation of the Gaza Envelope since the Oct. 7 massacre.

According to the data presented in the report, out of the 62,000 registered residents of the Gaza Envelope (based on Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics), over 90% have returned to live in the area, joined by more than 2,500 new residents.

Among the 13 communities that were severely impacted during the October attack, high return rates were recorded.

Kerem Shalom: 88% return rate and 6 new families; Sufa: 90% and 6 new families; Nir Yitzhak: 82% and 8 new families; Nirim: 90% and 1 new family; Ein HaShlosha: 90% and 5 new families; Re’im: 95% and 10 new families; Netiv HaAsara: 83% and 12 new families; Nahal Oz: 33% and 4 new families. In Kerem Shalom and Re’im, rehabilitation work was completed by the end of March.

In Nirim, it was completed by the end of April, and in Ein HaShlosha by the end of May. In Sufa, Nir Yitzhak, and Netiv HaAsara, security restrictions were lifted by the end of June 2025.

In six other communities, reconstruction work is expected to conclude according to the following timelines: Essential work in Nahal Oz was completed by the end of August; in Kissufim, work will continue until November 2025; in Holit until March 2026; in Kfar Aza until July 2026; in Be’eri until August 2026.

In Nir Oz, a unique framework for rebuilding the kibbutz was recently approved. It includes a full reconstruction of the community, along with the establishment of a rural site within the kibbutz boundaries.

The report outlined the number of temporary structures built to allow residents to return to their communities: For the residents of Kfar Aza, 159 temporary housing units were set up in Kibbutz Ruhama, along with 7 public buildings and renovations of existing facilities for public use.

For the residents of Kibbutz Be’eri, 287 temporary housing units were established in Kibbutz Hatzerim, along with 13 public buildings, including 6 kindergartens, a medical clinic, a dental clinic, offices, and a dining hall. Other public facilities in Hatzerim were also renovated for the Be’eri community.

For the residents of Holit, 61 temporary homes were built in Kibbutz Revivim, alongside 2 public buildings and infrastructure development for additional facilities, as well as integration into the local education system.

For members of Kibbutz Kissufim, 81 temporary housing units were set up in Omer, along with 3 public buildings. Existing buildings were renovated for community use, such as kindergartens, informal education facilities, and offices.

The Nir Oz community relocated to temporary housing in Karmei Gat, where public facilities were built for the community, including kindergartens, a daycare center, and a dining hall – all funded by the Tekuma Authority. The temporary housing units range from 60 to 120 square meters (about 646 to 1,292 square feet), depending on family needs.

According to the Tekuma Authority, NIS 115 million (over $34,475 million) has been allocated for programs supporting personal, family, and social well-being, and another NIS 61 million ($18.3 million) for trauma and bereavement programs.

These funds have been invested in support for families in crisis, parenting support programs, parent-child centers, targeted interventions for complex or at-risk families, domestic violence prevention, units for treating sexual abuse survivors, programs for specific populations such as children, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Minister Zeev Elkin, responsible for the rehabilitation of southern Israel, addressed the upcoming tasks, stating, “We still have much work ahead in completing the return and rebuilding process – especially in the five communities that have yet to return. Our main focus is now on the growth of the region and doubling its population to 120,000. Those who cruelly tried to drive us out will instead face a stronger and larger region in return.”