Israel's Tekuma Administration released an updated report on the rehabilitation of the Gaza border region, giving the public insight into the area's renewal 1,000 days after the October 7 massacres.
According to Tekuma, over 1,000 projects have been carried out in the region during the almost three years since the attack.
Further, out of the four communities in the region which haven't yet returned, two are expected to do so by the end of August.
Members of Kibbutz Holit and Kibbutz Kfar Aza are set to return this fall, while residents of Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Nir Oz are expected in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
“This is a moment that reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment of residents to continue putting down roots here. The region will continue to grow and develop for years to come,” said Tekuma Directorate head Aviad Friedman.
Gaza border region population has increased since October 7, 2023
Over 90% of Kibbutz Kissufim members returned to the community after their initial displacement. Across the region, 92% of residents returned, joined by 5,000 newcomers, bringing its total population to 65,000.
Before the October 7 attacks, the region's population stood at 62,000.
The Tekuma Administration has a total of around NIS 17 billion at its disposal, and by the end of 2026 around two thirds of that sum had been invested. For 2026, the allocated budget stands at around NIS 2.8 billion.
Approximately NIS 3.18 billion has been invested in rehabilitation and return efforts, including NIS 1.465 billion for physical reconstruction and NIS 1.713 billion for interim housing, the report said.
"The long-term vision aims to double the population of the Tekuma region within a decade of October 7, 2023," the report said, "while strengthening security, preserving community character, promoting socioeconomic growth, and rebuilding public trust."
More than 1,000 projects in 1,000 days
The Tekuma Administration, whose mandate ends in 2028, has advanced strategic projects with the aim of furthering long-term growth, the report read.
These include "neighborhood reconstruction, public buildings and infrastructure, temporary housing, healthcare, education and welfare systems, as well as initiatives in employment, innovation, agriculture, higher education, and local economic development," according to the report.
With a budget of around NIS 2.86 billion, work is expected to continue, with initiatives such as investment into revenue-generating projects, security upgrades, and educational activities set to take place.
Additionally, the rehabilitation of communities damaged in the October 7 attacks has taken place, and reconstruction of Holit, Kfar Aza, Be'eri, and Nir Oz continues, Tekuma said.
“One thousand days after October 7, we continue to act with deep commitment to the residents of the Tekuma region and to the national mission," said Friedman.
"Alongside the memory, pain, and loss that have accompanied us since that day, we are seeing communities return and renew themselves, communities being rebuilt, and trust in the future of the Gaza border region.
“The region is in a process of growth, with hundreds of projects taking place simultaneously across the region and in all communities.
Already this month, we will enter another significant stage in the process, with the conditions now in place to allow the final communities to begin returning to their homes, a moment that reflects the resilience, determination, and commitment of residents to continue putting down roots here.
“At the same time, we are working to ensure that the return home is accompanied by the strengthening of the community fabric, the development of infrastructure, and the creation of conditions that will allow the region to grow and develop for years to come.”