More people are now living in Israel’s Gaza envelope than before the October 7 Hamas attack, according to data released this week by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, marking a significant milestone in the government-led rehabilitation of the region.
The figures show that as of late 2025, approximately 65,000 residents live in the Rebirth region, compared to about 62,000 on the eve of the October 7 assault. The data were published as part of a year-end summary by the Rebirth Directorate, which is responsible for reconstruction and long-term development across the area.
Five communities that sustained the most severe damage on October 7, Nir Oz, Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Kissufim, and Holit, are still residing in designated community housing frameworks, according to the directorate.
The scale of destruction from the attack remains stark. On October 7, 525 buildings were destroyed, 62,000 residents were evacuated, and 23 communities were infiltrated by Hamas terrorists.
Official figures indicate that 529 residents of the Gaza envelope were murdered, 112 residents were taken hostage in Gaza, and 288 children were left orphaned, data that continues to inform national recovery priorities more than two years later.
By December 31, 2025, demographic trends had shifted substantially. Around 1,000 young people arrived in the region at the start of the academic year on September 1, and there are approximately 2,000 more students living in the area than in 2023.
Over 3,000 new residents have moved to the region
More than 3,000 new residents have moved to the region, most of them settling in Sderot. In total, 42 of the region’s 47 communities have resumed regular life, with more than 90% of residents having returned across the Gaza envelope.
Housing construction has been a central component of the recovery effort. Approximately 1,000 new housing units have been built in Sderot’s Bustanim neighborhood as part of accelerated development programs.
Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Elkin said the government remains committed to long-term growth in the area. “We will continue to advance toward achieving our central goal, doubling the population of the Rebirth region to 120,000 residents,” Elkin said.
Rebirth Directorate head Aviad Friedman said the coming year would focus on sustaining recovery momentum. “In 2026, we will continue addressing the challenges of rehabilitation and growth, implementing the strategic plan we have formulated to move the region.