According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Gaza Envelope currently has about 65,000 residents - a figure that reflects an increase of about 3,000 residents since the eve of the October 7 attack.
This is a significant milestone, indicating the renewed resilience of the surrounding settlements, their rehabilitation - and even beyond that, demographic growth.
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Five communities that were severely affected - Nir Oz, Be'ari, Kfar Azza, Kissufim and Holit - still live in designated community housing complexes, but most of the region's residents have already returned to their homes.
In 8 of the 13 communities that were severely affected - including Kerem Shalom, Sufa, Nirim and Nahal Oz - high rates of recurrence were recorded.
The Reconstruction Administration's summary report shows that in 2025, approximately 3.7 billion shekels were invested in the rehabilitation and development of the region, of which approximately 401 billion shekels were directed to construction and housing and approximately 351 billion shekels to human and community development.
Thousands of projects have been launched in the fields of education, health, economy, welfare and agriculture.
On the economic front, the establishment of the first high-tech branches in Sderot and the development of the Sapirim B industrial park - after a delay of years - stood out. In the agricultural sector, 180 million shekels were invested, among other things, in upgrading water reservoirs, supporting approximately 400 farms, and establishing an agricultural innovation network in Moshav Yabul.
The forecast for 2026 includes additional investments of approximately 6 billion shekels. According to the director, the emphasis will shift to long-term construction, preparing localities to absorb the population, establishing a regional high-tech complex, developing transportation, education, security and culture, along with continuing the return of residents of Nir Oz, Be'eri, Kfar Aza, Kissufim and Holit.
Minister of Finance responsible for the reconstruction of the North and South, Zeev Elkin: "Since October 7, a broad national movement has been led to reconstruct the region of Tekuma - returning home, rebuilding and deep investment in communities, education, health and the economy. Full implementation of budgets, joint work with the authorities and the removal of barriers have allowed reconstruction to progress on the ground at a rapid pace.
""Three thousand more residents than there were on the eve of the war is a clear statement even to our enemies: whoever tried to drive us away from the territories of our homeland - received us bigger and stronger. We will continue to move forward towards realizing our main goal: 'up to 120', doubling the population of the Tekuma region to 120,000 residents. This is one of the most important Zionist tasks of our time and an important part of the victory over our enemies.".
