Tekuma marks 1,000 days since Oct. 7 as final communities prepare to return

Israel's Tekuma Administration has released an updated report detailing the rehabilitation efforts in the Gaza border region, marking 1,000 days since the October 7 massacres. The report highlights significant progress in the area's renewal, with over 1,000 projects undertaken in the nearly three years since the attack.

Further progress is evident in the return of residents to evacuated communities. While four communities remain evacuated, two are slated for residents' return by the end of August. Kibbutz Holit and Kibbutz Kfar Aza are expected to welcome back their members this fall, with Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Nir Oz anticipating returns in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Aviad Friedman, head of the Tekuma Directorate, expressed optimism, stating, "This is a moment that reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment of residents to continue putting down roots here. The region will continue to grow and develop for years to come."

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This is a moment that reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment of residents to continue putting down roots here. The region will continue to grow and develop for years to come.

The population of the Gaza border region has seen an increase since October 7, 2023. Currently standing at 65,000, it surpasses the pre-attack population of 62,000. This growth is attributed to the return of over 90% of residents from Kibbutz Kissufim and 92% across the region, supplemented by 5,000 newcomers.

The Tekuma Administration has a budget of approximately NIS 17 billion, with about two-thirds slated for investment by the end of 2026. Significant funds have been allocated to rehabilitation and return efforts, including NIS 1.465 billion for physical reconstruction and NIS 1.713 billion for interim housing. The long-term vision, as outlined in the report, aims to double the region's population within a decade, focusing on enhancing security, preserving community character, fostering socioeconomic growth, and rebuilding public trust.

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The long-term vision aims to double the population of the Tekuma region within a decade of October 7, 2023, while strengthening security, preserving community character, promoting socioeconomic growth, and rebuilding public trust.