Since January 27th, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have begun returning to the Gaza Strip under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Although their return represents a glimmer of hope for the future, it has created new challenges for returnees, related to housing and securing basic needs such as water. Our correspondent Rami Almeghari reports from northern Gaza. 

As the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas holds, displaced families have been able to return back to their homes in northern Gaza. Yet, those families now embark on a new struggle for survival amidst extremely difficult conditions. Every morning, thousands of people have to search for drinking water as family members travel long distances to find water.

Elderly Palestinian Mohammad Salama holds empty gallon jugs on a daily basis to fill them with water. Salama has recently returned back to his Jabalya home.

MOHAMMED SALAMA, Palestinian Refugee "There is no water, we live a kilometer and a half away, we come here to fill 10 liters of water only and return with it for our children to drink. We do not have water or wells now, we had them before but they were completely bombed in the war."

Those who have returned to the nearby northern town of Beit Lahia also face the same challenges.

UMM ALAA AROUQI, Palestinian Refugee "We are suffering and exhausted, going long distances to get a small amount of water. As you can see, we are living in the streets and there have been no solutions for us since we returned here, nothing at all."

Humanitarian aid workers face enormous challenges as they try to provide relief for people. But with no electricity, and dwindling resources, life in Gaza remains a daily battle for basic necessities. 

YAHYA AL-SARRAJ, Mayor, Gaza City "Another challenge that is faced by relief workers, across the coastal enclave with no electricity and dwindling resources, life in Gaza remains a daily battle for basic necessities, most notably water."

The UN estimates the damaged buildings include more than 90% of the housing units in Gaza, the possibility of resuming life for Gazans seems like an impossible mission.

RAMI ALMEGHARI, Gaza "Palestinians in northern Gaza face extreme difficulties after the Israeli withdrawal, as they've lost their homes and are now living in tents again. With no electricity and dwindling resources, life in Gaza remains a daily battle for basic necessities, most notably water. Rami Almeghari, CGTN, northern Gaza Strip."