Gaza Envelope

Without threats of strikes, with a lot of hope: among the millions returning to school are 180,000 starting first grade. Some will begin in the legendary school of Metula, which stood empty until now. In the Gaza envelope, they are returning to study at home after about 3 years of wandering. The expectation: "That it will be interesting in class and fun at recess."

The school year will open in the Gaza Envelope communities with about 9% more students than on the eve of October 7. The increase in the number of students is taking place in parallel with the continued return of communities to Kissufim, Holit, and Kfar Aza. In Sderot, an increase of about 16% in the number of students was recorded.

"Back then we trusted the army to protect us, today we have an additional role - to check that it is actually protecting us." Dozens of kites and balloons have been launched in recent months from the Gaza Strip, and some have landed in fields and inside communities. Residents warn of a return to the policy of containment: "We already know where this process can lead."

The chairman of the Yashar! party announced during a tour of the south the establishment of a team that will deal with the rehabilitation and development of the Gaza Envelope and the Western Negev. On the team: Head of the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council Eran Doron, Tair Ifargan, Oshrat Gani Gonen, and representatives of the Gaza Envelope communities. "The rehabilitation of the south begins first...

Residents and heads of local authorities express great concern about a return to the containment policy in the Gaza Envelope. According to them, infiltration into Israeli territory is perceived on the other side as tacit consent. A security director in one of the authorities warns: "There is a lack of ability to detect threats from the air."

A young man in his 20s was shot at a gas station near Kibbutz Magen and arrived independently at Soroka Hospital in light condition. Police estimate the background is criminal, and the Eshkol Regional Council was quick to reassure: this is not a security incident.

A kite, believed to have originated from the Gaza Strip, was discovered in the Simhoni Forest in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council. Security forces and the IDF inspected the site, finding no explosives. The council stated: "We view any incident of this type with severity."

The KKL board of directors approved a 110 million shekel aid package for rehabilitation and commemoration in the south. Against the backdrop of Minister Amichai Eliyahu's demand for involvement in the nature of the commemoration in Kfar Aza, the fund will allocate 15 million shekels to the kibbutz and anchor full freedom of choice for the community in the agreement. KKL Chairman: "Wherever the...

Eshkol Regional Council head Michal Ozihou warns that while moves to rehabilitate the Strip and introduce foreign forces are advancing, authorities in the Gaza Envelope are still not receiving a full picture of the security implications. "We are in constant contact with the army, but not with the state." She also warns of the expected load on Route 232 and emphasizes: "The question is whether they...

A kite was discovered in Moshav Shuva in the western Negev. The IDF is investigating, noting that no explosive devices were found. Sdot Negev Regional Council head Tamir Idan called the incident a 'red line' that requires a firm response.

A kite that infiltrated from the Gaza Strip was located in Moshav Shuva, and according to Sdot Negev Regional Council head Tamir Idan, it did not carry a payload. Idan warned against the return of threats from the Strip and called for a firm response: "Today it is a kite without a payload, tomorrow it could carry explosives."

The food scene in the Gaza Envelope has changed since October 7: new coffee carts have become meeting places, memorials, and community hubs, telling the story of the region through food, nature, and local entrepreneurship.

Security officers in the Gaza envelope warn of a reduction in defense forces in communities adjacent to the fence. In one community attacked on October 7, only 12 fighters will remain on Sunday. "This is a real abandonment, they are taking the defense forces," said one of the heads of the authorities.

Hagai Horowitz, who rebuilt his coffee cart after it was burned by terrorists on October 7, is now facing closure due to repeated thefts, vandalism, and bureaucratic decisions by the regional council that moved his business from its original, popular location.