In the aftermath of an extended conflict, residents of Gaza are returning to their homes, only to find devastation. On the first day of a ceasefire, a 24-year-old law student made his way back to Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, after being displaced for eight months due to military operations. Upon arrival, he was met with a landscape of rubble where his family home once stood. His sentiments reflect the harsh reality faced by many: 'We have nothing left.' The destruction is extensive, with satellite images from the United Nations indicating that more than 163,000 buildings, approximately two-thirds of all structures in Gaza, have been destroyed. The situation is dire as many residents walk the streets, navigating piles of debris in search of what remains of their neighborhoods. In October, Rafah was also the site of the death of a prominent Hamas leader, further complicating the city's recovery. The level of destruction has rendered most homes uninhabitable. One resident recalled how their six-story building, which took decades to build, now lies in ruins. The return to Rafah is not a journey of hope for many, but rather a painful reminder of loss. In the wake of the ceasefire, the reality is that returning to one's home does not equate to having a place to live. Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following a deadly assault by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties, around two million Gazans have been displaced multiple times due to military actions and orders from the Israeli army. Human Rights Watch has reported on this displacement, describing it as 'forced, mass, and deliberate' without significant military justification. Transportation remains a significant challenge, with limited fuel and many vehicles damaged. The law student explained his journey back to Rafah involved traveling by car to Khan Younis and then continuing on foot. With no viable housing options in Rafah, he has returned to Deir el-Balah, where he has resided since May. The situation is compounded by the discovery of bodies among the ruins, as many displaced individuals seek to recover the remains of loved ones who are still unaccounted for. Reports indicate that emergency services have uncovered numerous bodies in recent days, with estimates suggesting there could be thousands more yet to be found. The total death toll in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes has surpassed 47,000, according to official figures. Despite the grim circumstances, some residents express cautious optimism about the ceasefire and the potential for reconstruction. A retired human rights advocate shared his intention to return to Gaza City with his family, even knowing their home has been destroyed. He anticipates the need to rent a new place, acknowledging the difficulties ahead due to the scarcity of habitable buildings and basic services such as water and electricity. In a further indication of the challenges faced by those returning, the Israeli military has stated that if the ceasefire conditions hold, they will allow residents to return to northern Gaza, which includes heavily populated areas like Gaza City and Jabalia. However, they also cautioned against approaching the Israeli border or engaging in recreational activities in the area, as these could pose dangers. As the situation develops, residents continue to document their experiences through mobile devices, capturing images of destroyed neighborhoods and the resilience of their community. The sentiment among many returning is one of perseverance, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them. The path to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges, but the desire to rebuild and reclaim their homes remains strong among the people of Gaza.