Gaza Border Kibbutzim Prepare for Return Home Three Years After October 7 Attack

Four Gaza border kibbutzim, including Kfar Aza, Nirim, Magen, and Be'eri, are slated to begin their return process by the end of 2027, marking the final phase of resettlement for residents displaced by the October 7th Hamas attacks. Approximately 2,600 residents from these kibbutzim are currently residing in temporary housing.

The return process will be staggered. Kibbutz Holit began its return in August, with Kfar Aza set to follow in late September. Be'eri's community will start returning in December, completing their move by July 2025, while Nirim residents are scheduled to return by the end of 2027.

The "Tikkun" administration, responsible for the region's rehabilitation, has invested 1.7 billion shekels in temporary housing and an additional 1.5 billion shekels for physical reconstruction of homes and infrastructure. Be'eri is allocated 473 million shekels for extensive renovations and new construction, Nirim receives 232 million shekels for new buildings and renovations, Kfar Aza has 211 million shekels for similar purposes, and Holit is allocated 57 million shekels for renovations.

The overall strategic plan led by Tikkun amounts to 17 billion shekels, with about 80% to be utilized by year-end. This budget encompasses reconstruction costs as well as initiatives to foster demographic and economic growth, including investments in energy projects, other income-generating ventures, student housing, agriculture, tourism, and education.