Gaza Envelope Population Grows 2.5 Times Faster Than National Average Post-Oct. 7

Three years after the October 7th Hamas attack, the population of the "Takoma Region" (Gaza Envelope) has grown by approximately 5,000 residents, at a growth rate 2.5 times the national average, according to data released by the Takoma Administration. Current Central Bureau of Statistics figures show about 66,000 residents in the region, a 10% increase since before the October 7th attack, with return rates to settlements exceeding 90%.

Among the four communities yet to fully return home, Holit began its return process in late August. Kfar Aza is expected to start in late September, and Nirim is slated to begin its return in late December, completing it by July 2027. In parallel, rehabilitation and construction work continues in Nir Oz, with returns anticipated to start in late 2027.

Aviad Friedman, head of the Takoma Administration, stated that the administration's mission is to create conditions for the region to continue rehabilitating, growing, and attracting new residents. These growth figures align with the administration's goal to double the region's population by 2033. Friedman emphasized commitment to supporting residents who experienced the October 7th massacre, facilitating their recovery and rebuilding lives.

He further elaborated that the administration is moving beyond rehabilitation to long-term growth, investing in education, health, economy, employment, and quality of life to ensure current growth becomes a stable trend. The administration has allocated approximately 2.86 billion shekels for projects through the end of 2026, focusing on community resilience, infrastructure, and economic drivers for sustained development.