Deir Al-Balah, January 27: Israel has begun allowing Palestinians to return to the heavily destroyed north of the Gaza Strip for the first time since the early weeks of the 15-month war with Hamas, in accordance with a fragile ceasefire. Thousands of Palestinians headed north on Monday after waiting for days to cross. Associated Press reporters saw people crossing the so-called Netzarim corridor shortly after 7 am. Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: Israel Blocks Thousands of Palestinians From Returning Home to Northern Gaza As It Accuses Hamas of Violating Ceasefire Deal.

The opening was delayed over a dispute between Hamas and Israel, which said  the militant group had changed the order of the hostages it released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)