An unending stream of people marched up the coast of Gaza on Monday, carrying their belongings in plastic bags and repurposed flour sacks through the central city of Nuseirat after Israel reopened access to the territory's north.

Thousands walked up the main coastal road, while hundreds more moved along the nearby beach on the shore of the eastern Mediterranean.

More than a week after a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip, Israel reopened access to the north after striking an agreement for more hostage releases, with Gazans overjoyed at the opportunity to return after being forced from their homes by the fighting.

"This day feels like a holiday," Shadi Adas told AFP, describing hundreds of people chanting "God is greatest" and slogans associated with Eid al-Adha celebrations.

"Thousands of people" had gathered along........

© Al Monitor