Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians head to northern Gaza. BREAKING NEWS!

Even before the sun heralded a frigid dawn, a huge and restless crowd set off north along Gaza's coastal road. They were young and old. Many carried large white plastic bags and suitcases, others small children. Some hopped slowly on crutches and others wore flip-flops, while a few even walked barefoot. One pair of young men linked arms as they strode and sang.

As dawn broke in Gaza on Monday, footage and photos captured by NBC News’ crew showed tens of thousands of Palestinians heading toward a checkpoint on the Netzarim Corridor, which bisects the enclave, and into the heavily bombed north. The path is named for a former Israeli settlement, and is considered vital by the Israeli military hoping to keep militants from traveling across Gaza.

For many, the journey home after 15 months of Israeli bombardment brought tears to their eyes as they held onto their loved ones and clutched their belongings tightly.