Return to the ruins: Thousands of displaced Palestinians return to devastation amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Thousands of displaced Palestinians journeyed back to northern Gaza on Tuesday, following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Over 375,000 people returned after fleeing earlier in the conflict. (Photo: AP)

Many Palestinians expressed mixed emotions as they returned, knowing their homes were likely damaged or destroyed. The return to their homeland was marred by the grief of losing loved ones in the ongoing conflict. (Photo: AP)

The ceasefire, aimed at ending the war and releasing hostages, allowed Palestinians to return. It was seen as a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation caused by the 15-month war. (Photo: AP)

Nader Shamalakh, a returnee, was shocked to find Gaza City unrecognizable. The city, heavily bombed and demolished during the conflict, now appeared as a wasteland of destruction. (Photo: AP)

The widespread devastation in Gaza City, with demolished buildings and rubble everywhere, left returnees like Shamalakh stunned. It was difficult to recognise the familiar landmarks amidst the ruin. (Photo: AP)

After Israeli airstrikes and the army’s demolition of buildings, much of Gaza City has been reduced to rubble. Returnees found it hard to make sense of where their homes once stood. (Photo: AP)

Many Palestinians fled south at the start of the conflict after Hamas' October 7 attack. Now, with the ceasefire in place, they are returning, confronting the overwhelming damage to their homes and communities. (Photo: AP)

Despite the destruction and loss, the sense of returning home to northern Gaza was strong. Residents expressed a deep connection to their homeland, even in the face of unimaginable loss. (Photo: AP)