Monzer al-Sharafi survived months in a tent with his family in southern Gaza. CBS News joined him for the grueling trek back to find what was left of his life.

As thousands of displaced Palestinians return to northern Gaza following Israel’s military withdrawal, Israeli officials debate the long-term security implications. The withdrawal was part of a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month between Israel and Hamas.

Clutching plastic bags of clothes, dragging suitcases in wheelbarrows, and holding their children close, Palestinian families in Gaza made the gruelling journey home for the first time since the start of Israel’s ferocious bombardment 15 months ago.