Gaza Ceasefire: Thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning north after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect, marking the first steps toward a potential Gaza peace deal. AP: tens of thousands of families began walking back toward their homes — or what remains of them — after two years of war and devastation. Eager for the killings, displacement and destruction to stop, many Palestinians in Gaza were relieved to hear that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire to the devastating two-year war. But it was mixed with pain from staggering losses and concern about what comes next. “We packed our stuff as we may return home. But we are still suffering from the same struggles,” said Jamal Mesbah, who was displaced from northern Gaza.