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JERUSALEM — When Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, they struck multiple population centers across the Gaza periphery, known in Hebrew as the Otef aza, the “Gaza envelope.” The brutality spread across quiet agricultural communities. Each suffered differently, but all were permanently changed. People were slaughtered in their homes on a holiday morning, while others were kidnapped. Children, grandmothers, teenagers, reservists, and peace activists were dragged into Gaza on motorcycles or shoved screaming into stolen vehicles. Entire families disappeared in minutes. In these kibbutzim, where neighbors shared meals and raised children together, dozens were murdered and homes burned to ash.