Since the horrific morning of October 7, when the homes of the kibbutzim turned into scenes of massacre and hundreds of families lost their loved ones, time has stood still in the Gaza Envelope. Survivors of the inferno scattered across the country, some in hotels, others in absorption communities — but their hearts remained there, at the scorched gates of Nir Oz, Be’eri, and Kfar Aza. Today (Sunday), after nearly nine months, the government approved the return of residents to the frontline communities bordering the Gaza Strip. According to security officials, starting July 1, there is no longer a security impediment to returning home.
Return by July 31
Residents of the communities Be’eri, Holit, Kissufim, Kfar Aza, Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz, Nirim, Nir Yitzhak, Nir Oz, Netiv HaAsara, Sufa, and Ein HaShlosha will be able to return and begin rebuilding what was lost, alongside the ongoing struggle to free the hostages. Evacuees from the Gaza Envelope who wish to continue staying in the absorption facilities may do so no later than July 31 of this year.
Special Situation in the Home Front
At the same time, the government also approved an extension — with limitations — of the declaration of a special situation on the home front. The extension will be in effect until July 15. The special situation will apply only to the Gaza Envelope, as it did before Operation Rising Lion (“Am Ka’Lavi“), since security officials assess that the threat level remains high in this area.
92% of Residents Have Already Returned
According to a report published about a month ago by the Tekuma Administration, over 59,000 of the 64,000 residents of the area have already returned to their homes — a rate of 92%. Of the approximately 1,850 buildings marked for renovation, about 970 have been renovated or are undergoing advanced renovation. Of the roughly 420 buildings that need to be rebuilt, around 110 are currently under construction.
Lower Numbers in Frontline Communities
In contrast, a survey conducted by the “Forum HaBayta” (The Going Home Forum), which represents the frontline communities, presents a very different picture. As of day 600 of the war, only 24.3% of residents from Be’eri, Nir Oz, Nahal Oz, Kfar Aza, Re’im, Nirim, Sufa, Holit, Nir Yitzhak, Kissufim, and Netiv HaAsara have returned to live in their permanent homes.
To support the physical rehabilitation of the Gaza Envelope, a budget of approximately NIS 1.4 billion has been allocated, of which NIS 1.1 billion is designated for the ten most severely affected communities. Additionally, a separate five-year plan includes another NIS 1.4 billion investment aimed at developing infrastructure to a higher standard than before the war — including educational, sports, cultural, and religious buildings, improved accessibility, and environmental development.
