Among the thousands of Palestinians walking back to their homes in northern Gaza, white bags always appear, outlined against the sea, which many carry on their backs as they advance through the dust and rubble.

Monzer al-Sharafi survived months in a tent with his family in southern Gaza. CBS News joined him for the grueling trek back to find what was left of his life.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning home to northern Gaza on Monday, bracing for what awaits them in a region that has been reduced to rubble by months of brutal bombardment and fighting.