Thousands of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza following a hostage agreement that led to the release of four Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and the freedom of 200 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire deal has put an end to 15 months of intense fighting in Gaza. The Israeli soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were captured on October 7, 2023, while serving with the Israel Defence Forces. The prisoners were greeted by a jubilant crowd upon their arrival, with some being carried away on the shoulders of the crowd.