Ofakim

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Ofakim (Hebrew: אופקים, lit. 'Horizons') is a city in the Southern District of Israel, 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) west of Beersheba. It achieved municipal status in 1955. It has an area of 10,000 dunams (~3.9 sq mi; 10 km2). In 2024 it had a population of 39,893. Ofakim was established as a development town in 1955. For many years it was a major textile manufacturing center until outsourcing led to the closure of factories. As a result, Ofakim suffered from poverty and unemployment. Since the 2000s, new businesses have opened, improving the economic outlook. During the October 7 attacks in 2023, Ofakim was attacked by Hamas militants who infiltrated the city and killed 47 residents.

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