The government on Sunday greenlighted the immediate return of residents to seven of the 13 communities worst hit by the Hamas terror invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Authorities lifted all military bans and announced the completion of essential renovations that will enable members of Re’im, Kerem Shalom, Nirim, Ein Hashlosha, Sufa, Nir Yitzhak, and Netiv Ha’asara to return home starting Tuesday, should they wish it.

After July 31, the state will cease subsidizing rental accommodations for individuals from these communities who do not return.

In August, essential works are expected to be completed in Nahal Oz, enabling residents to return there before the start of the next school year.

A green light for Kissufim residents is expected in November 2025, with Holit, Kfar Aza, and Be’eri following in 2026.

Kibbutz Nir Oz was largely destroyed on October 7 when Hamas terrorists entered all but six of over 200 homes in the small community and either murdered or kidnapped one of every four residents — 117 people out of some 400.

The kibbutz had held out for what it saw as an acceptable deal, only agreeing with the state recently on a plan to invest over NIS 350 million ($95 million) in rehabilitation and redevelopment. Planning has just begun, and residents continue to live in state-subsidized apartments in the southern city of Kiryat Gat. There is no return date set.

Ze’ev Elkin, the minister with the overall charge of rehabilitating the Gaza border area in the south and the Lebanese border region in the north, said Sunday: “Thanks to a deep partnership with the communities, the Tekuma Directorate [responsible for rehabilitating the Gaza border area] and local authorities, we were able to shorten schedules, expand........

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