Gaza Envelope Population Growth Outpaces National Average

The Gaza Envelope region in southern Israel is experiencing a population growth rate 2.5 times the national average, according to data released by the "Tukuma" administration, which manages the area's recovery. Ahead of the three-year anniversary of the October 7th attack, the region's population has grown by approximately 10% compared to the eve of the massacre, now standing at around 66,000 residents.

More than 90% of the original residents have returned to their homes, joined by thousands of new inhabitants who did not live in the area before the war. Sderot remains the largest city in the region, with about 40,000 residents, accounting for over half of the Gaza Envelope's total population.

In 2026, three of the five communities that were evacuated began the process of returning residents. Kibbutz Kissufim has seen over 96% of its residents return, and residents of Huliot and Kfar Aza started returning in the summer. The return of residents to Be'eri is expected by the end of 2026, while Nir Oz residents are slated to return in 2027.

The "Tukuma" administration has set a goal to double the region's population by 2033. A multi-year plan of approximately 17 billion shekels has been formulated to achieve this, with about 11.6 billion shekels allocated by the end of 2025. Over 3 billion shekels have already been directly invested in the rehabilitation of communities and temporary housing.