Gaza Envelope Population Grows 10% Since October 7 Attacks

The population of the Gaza Envelope region has grown by approximately 10% since the Hamas attacks on October 7, according to data released by the Resilience Administration (Minahelet Tkuma). The region, also known as the Gaza Envelope, now has about 66,000 residents, an increase of around 5,000 people compared to the eve of the attacks. This growth rate is reportedly 2.5 times the national average for the same period.

More than 90% of the original residents have returned to their homes, joined by thousands of new residents who did not live in the area before the attacks. Sderot, the largest city in the region, accounts for about 40,000 residents, over half of the total population. Three of the five remaining communities that were evacuated are scheduled to complete their residents' return by the end of 2026. Kibbutz Kissufim has seen over 96% of its residents return, and returns to Holit and Kfar Aza began this summer. Residents of Kibbutz Be'eri are expected to return by the end of this year, with Nir Oz residents returning in 2027.

The Resilience Administration aims to double the region's population by 2033. A multi-year plan of approximately 17 billion shekels has seen about 11.6 billion shekels committed by the end of 2025. Over 3 billion shekels have been invested in the rehabilitation of communities and interim housing.

Aviad Friedman, head of the Resilience Administration, stated, "Our mission is not only to complete what is still needed in the affected communities but to create the conditions here that will allow the region to continue to recover, grow, and attract new families and residents." The article also briefly mentions the rebuilding efforts for fighters who defended the Gaza Envelope kibbutzim on October 7, highlighting their resilience.