Israeli residents of Gaza border communities will be allowed to return to their homes as the Israeli government declared on Sunday that there is “no security impediment” to living in the area.
Consequently, funding for those staying in temporary absorption facilities will be halted for those deemed able to return.
The decision applies to twelve localities, including Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Nir Oz, Sufa, Netiv HaAsara, Nir Yitzhak, Kerem Shalom, Ein Hashlosha, Nirim, Nahal Oz, Kissufim, and Holit.
Yes, residents are finally returning home but it can’t address the deep psychological trauma these communities experienced. The October 7 attacks left profound emotional wounds that will take much longer to heal than any building timeline. Even with government declarations that areas are “secure,” the emotional reality for many residents is that their sense of home and safety has been fundamentally altered. Some may never feel comfortable returning, regardless of physical restoration or security measures. The places they once called home will forever carry the weight of what happened there.