Palestinians return to north Gaza on foot, with belongings in hand

Thousands of Palestinians are returning to north Gaza after Israel and Hamas reached a deal to free six hostages this week.

Footage from Wadi Gaza, on the coast of the Gaza Strip, shows thousands of people on foot, carrying their belongings in their hands as they make their return.

Much of northern Gaza is now in ruins after Israeli bombardments.

The Palestinians were due to return over the weekend, but were held up by a row over an Israeli hostage held by Hamas, Arbel Yehud.

Hamas released four soldiers on Saturday, but not Yehud, a civilian - leading Israel to accuse Hamas of breaching the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Yehud and two other hostages are now due to be freed on Thursday.

Earlier in the war, the Israeli military issued several instructions for civilians to evacuate northern Gaza, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

Video by Sofia Ferreira Santos