Shaar HaNegev Regional Council head Uri Epstein commented on the government's decision to return Nahal Oz residents to their homes, saying: "Nahal Oz residents are being asked to return home, 600 meters from the border, within a closed military zone with echoes of explosions at night and during days that are impossible to live alongside. Again there's a lack of coordination, confusion and insensitivity." According to him, "The price is being paid by a community that has experienced one of the greatest horrors Israel has known and one of whose members - Omri Miran - is still being held captive." Epstein added: "We demand allowing the Nahal Oz community a gradual and safe return to their homes."