Headlights brightened the night sky as approximately 50 armored vehicles rumbled out of the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun on Sunday night. The Israeli army has occupied and isolated the city for over two months.

The pullout of soldiers came after a disengagement deal was made between Israeli and Palestinian officials this weekend, in which Israel agreed to withdraw its forces from Gaza and Bethlehem and return security control in the areas to Palestinian security forces. At the same time, three Palestinian factions agreed to a cease-fire.

There was no celebration in the street like there was in 1994 when troops withdrew from Gaza after the Oslo decision. Palestinians know from experience how quickly fighting could begin again, along with its accompanying characteristics—Israeli soldiers and roadblocks. Only a few people stood in the streets to watch the tanks drive away; most stayed in their homes to watch a soccer match between France and Cameroon.

When daylight broke through, Palestinians in Beit Hanoun looked around and saw the mess that the Israeli army left behind—demolished roads, torn bridges and more scarred lives. Today, the army handed back parts of the main, north-south highway, and for the first time in two and a half years, a Palestinian car drove on the road.

A Palestinian flag was raised over a makeshift outpost along the highway, and Gaza police began to set up their security posts. Yet, Israeli checkpoints remain.

This uncertain move toward peace came during U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice’s visit to the region to push for the implementation of the ‘roadmap.’