Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning home to northern Gaza on Monday, bracing for what awaits them in a region that has been reduced to rubble by months of brutal bombardment and fighting.

Palestinians are returning to areas ruined by 15 months of war after Israel and Hamas resolved a dispute over hostages that threatened to derail the ceasefire.

Massive crowds streamed into the most heavily destroyed part on Monday in accordance with a fragile ceasefire.

The long trek home by Palestinians comes as mediators helped end twin crises over ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israel’s military has carried out fresh airstrikes on Gaza, killing two Palestinians, including a child, despite the ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas earlier this month. Five-year-old Nadia Mohammed al-Amoudi was killed and three others wounded Monday when the Israeli army shelled a horse cart near the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Drone footage showed masses of people walking north along the coastal route - but people travelling in cars face days-long waits at checkpoints

Hamas officials accused Israel on Wednesday of delaying aid deliveries to Gaza and jeopardising a truce and hostage release deal, an allegation Israel dismissed as "fake news."

More than 300,000 displaced Palestinians have now returned to the ruins of their homes in Gaza City. Mediators have begun negotiations over the second stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Under the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have begun the painful journey back to their homes in northern Gaza. After being displaced for over 16 months, many are returning to find their homes destroyed and their communities shattered.