Nearly six months after the devastating Oct. 7 attack, data from the IDF Home Front Command reveals a significant return of Gaza periphery residents to their homes. Approximately 70% of those affected have made the decision to return, despite the continued unrest and occasional rocket fire from Gaza.
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The return rates vary significantly across different communities, heavily influenced by their proximity to the Gaza Strip. For instance, In Netiv HaAsara, a town directly adjacent to the Gaza fence, a mere 4.5% of residents have returned. This contrasts sharply with other areas a bit further from the conflict zone, where the return rate is considerably higher. For instance, in Yad Mordechai, around 60% of the residents have returned, and in Karmia and Zikim, the figures are approximately 50% and 40%, respectively.
Video: The Hamas attack on Zikim Beach on Oct. 7, 2023 / Credit: Usage under Israeli Intellectual Property Law, Section 27a
According to data obtained by Israel Hayom, most of the towns located between 4-7 kilometers from the strip have seen the return of 75% of residents. This includes communities like Sderot, Sa'ad, and Urim, indicating a greater sense of security or perhaps a stronger attachment to their homes among residents of these areas.
In contrast, the majority of the residents of fence-adjacent towns that bore the brunt of the onslaught, such as Nir Oz, Be'eri, and Kfar Aza, still live in temporary accommodations, awaiting the reconstruction of their homes. The Home Front Command's efforts to facilitate this process involve individualized meetings with community representatives, aiming to address security concerns and provide the necessary civilian and defense infrastructures for a safe return.
Despite the ongoing threat of sporadic rocket fire, which the IDF cannot guarantee will cease entirely, the trend of returning residents indicates a cautious but tangible step toward normalization. The Home Front Command has been transparent about the continued risk of conflict but has also worked to reassure communities by emphasizing the reduced threat level compared to the situation on Oct. 6, thanks to IDF operations in the area.
The decision for communities like Magen and Kerem Shalom to plan returns in April and July respectively underlines the evolving situation on the ground, where decisions are made in real-time based on the latest security assessments and developments in the region.
This gradual return of Gaza periphery residents, while marked by caution due to the unpredictable nature of the conflict, signifies a critical phase in the region's recovery. It reflects both the challenges and progress in restoring life to a region that has been on the frontline of the Israel-Hamas war.
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