Gaza Envelope Population Grows 10% Since October 7 Attacks

The population in Israel's Gaza Envelope region has grown by approximately 10% since the October 7 Hamas attacks, reaching about 66,000 residents. This growth rate is 2.5 times the national average during the same period. More than 90% of residents who were evacuated have now returned to their homes, joined by thousands of new inhabitants.

Sderot, the region's largest city, now has around 40,000 residents, accounting for over half of the total population. The return process is accelerating, with three of the five remaining evacuated communities beginning their return in 2026. Kibbutz Kissufim has seen over 96% of its residents return, and Kibbutz Holit and Kibbutz Kfar Aza began their returns this past summer. Residents of Kibbutz Be'eri are expected to return by the end of this year, while Kibbutz Nir Oz residents are slated to return in 2027.

The "Tekooma" administration, responsible for rebuilding the region, aims to double the Gaza Envelope's population by 2033. A multi-year plan of approximately 17 billion shekels has been allocated for this goal. As of the end of 2025, about 11.6 billion shekels have been committed, with over 3 billion shekels invested directly in community rehabilitation and temporary housing solutions.

Aviad Friedman, head of the Tekooma administration, stated that the administration's mission extends beyond repairing damaged communities to creating conditions for continued recovery, growth, and attracting new residents.