Israel: Gaza Border Communities Rebound, Adding 5,000 Residents Since October 7 Attack

 Legal Insurrection

"Responding to the death and destruction unleashed by Palestinian terrorist hordes on October 7, 2023, residents of southern Israel are giving a Zionist reply by rehabilitating survivors, rebuilding homes, and expanding communities.

"As Israel marks 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre, most residents of southern communities have returned home, joined by over 5,000 new Israelis who have moved to the region since 2023.

"Take the example of Kibbutz Kissufim, where terrorists murdered 20 residents and took an 85-year-old resident, Shlomo Mansour, hostage. “Nearly three years after the October 7 massacre, about 90% of surviving residents have returned to the Gaza border kibbutz, where children ride bikes again, the pool and pub have reopened and families are rebuilding homes, routines and a sense of belonging,” Israel’s Ynetnews observed in February.

"Kissufim is no exception; this story of resilience is being witnessed across communities neighboring Gaza. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, “Over 92% of the region’s residents are back home, joined by more than 5,000 new residents,” The Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

"If Hamas intended to devastate and depopulate these communities, the strategy has backfired. Citing the statistical agency, The Times of Israel revealed that “in December [2025] … there were 65,000 residents in the region, compared to about 62,000 on the eve of the October 7 attack.” Israel plans to double the region’s population, raising it to “224,000 residents by 203o,” the news outlet added." . . .

Hamas is rebuilding too–for terror and destruction

It never ends, Greta!

"Gazans are rebuilding too. Hamas is recruiting Palestinian teenagers to replenish its depleted terrorist fighting force. According to the Jerusalem Post in January 2026, the Islamic terror group was “reasserting control in parts of the Gaza Strip by recruiting new members to its military wing and civilian institutions.” The newspaper added that “Hamas has been offering cash to teenagers to tempt them to join the group.”

"The jihadist group has been trying to rebuild its terror tunnels. “Inside Hamas-controlled Gaza, there have been increasing reports recently of a resurgence, tunnel rehabilitation, training exercises,” the Israel National News reported Friday.

 Vijeta Uniyal is a writer based in Germany. He is Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Gatestone Institute and founder of the "Indians For Israel".