Israel says it has killed thousands of the armed group’s members and destroyed much of its infrastructure, but since the cease-fire started Hamas has shown it still holds power in the enclave.

The militant group has not only survived 15 months of war but 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.