DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Israel-Hamas war, now nearing a potential ceasefire , has devastated the Gaza Strip. Satellite photos offer some sense of the destruction in the territory, which has been largely sealed off to journalists and others.

The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement is expected to take effect as soon as Sunday. But the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in over a year of brutal war between Israel and Hamas is rife with risks,

Officials announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause more than 15 months of war and release hostages held in Gaza.

As a ceasefire brought calm to Gaza’s ruined cities, Hamas was quick to emerge from hiding. The militant group has not only survived 15 months of war with Israel — among the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory — but it remains firmly in control of the coastal territory that now resembles an apocalyptic wasteland.

Locals are slowly returning home to start the rebuilding process after 15 months of war as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place.