Hamas is rushing to reassert control over the territory it has ruled since 2007. Its leaders are exuberant—at least in public. In private, they are arguing bitterly. The war has deepened a longtime struggle between the group’s political and military leaders and has saddled it with enormous challenges.

The cease-fire has held despite a dispute earlier this week over the sequence in which the hostages were released.

Israel’s 15-month campaign has depleted the group’s military strength, sapped its political influence and opened a leadership void inside the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war has profoundly altered the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Iran and Russia, once dominant forces, have suffered severe setbacks, while Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar have all expanded their regional influence.

One of the Israeli hostages freed on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire said Monday in her first comments since being released that she has “returned to life.”

Israel's economy minister said on Wednesday it seeks a peaceful Gaza but has not decided whether to help fund its reconstruction and would not allow the rebuilding of Hamas rule that he said could lead to another cross-border militant attack.

Delayed by a dispute over the release of a specific hostage, an agreement has been reached to allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

We assess the first hours of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas- and the mood in Gaza- after more than 15 months of war

The exchange of hostages for prisoners is a key part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas.

Long lines of Palestinians -- some kneeling to kiss the soil as they stepped into the northern part of the strip -- were making their way home on Monday.

Hamas called the return “a victory for our ... Associated Press reporters Joe Krauss in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Mohammad Jahjouh and Osama Saleh in Wadi Gaza, Gaza Strip, contributed.