Gaza Border Communities See Return of Over 90% of Residents as Reconstruction Advances
More than 90 percent of residents from communities along the Gaza border have returned home, according to a report by the Tekuma Directorate. This translates to approximately 62,000 people who have resettled in the area. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing, with five key communities still temporarily housed as of the latest report.
Rebuilding Efforts and Local Autonomy
The Tekuma Directorate has emphasized that while five of the most heavily damaged communities remain uninhabited, their residents are expected to return within two years. Local authorities have been granted autonomy over the rebuilding process, while the directorate provides "ongoing support, guidance, and supervision." The total value of the construction projects underway is around NIS 800 million, directly funded by the directorate, in coordination with local leadership.
Communities Awaiting Return
While 42 out of 47 communities have been repopulated, five remain in temporary housing. These are Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Kissufim, Holit, and Nir Oz, each at different stages of reconstruction. The directorate anticipates Kissufim to be ready by November, Holit by March 2026, and both Kfar Aza and Be’eri by next summer.
Varying Return Rates Across Communities
Most communities have seen the majority of their residents return, and some have welcomed new families. Kerem Shalom has reached about 88 percent of its prewar population and has absorbed six new families. Kibbutz Sufa is at roughly 90 percent, with the same number of new families. Nir Yitzhak stands at 82 percent with eight new families. Nirim is at 90 percent with one new family, while Ein HaShlosha has also reached approximately 90 percent with five new families. Re’im currently reports a 95 percent return rate and 10 new families.
In Netiv HaAsara, around 83 percent of residents have come back, joined by 12 new families. Nahal Oz, which only began its return process this month, has seen about one-third of its families return, along with four new families.
Long-Term Development and Goals
The rebuilding effort spans "all areas of life," including infrastructure, health, education, employment, and community services. The stated goal is "to renew settlement, revitalize the region and turn it into a vital, stable, sustainable and attractive area for its residents and for the State of Israel." Nir Oz has adopted a "unique plan" that includes a rural tourism site as part of its long-term development strategy.
