Israeli troops withdrawing from existing positions in Gaza. Yonhap News. 

The Israeli military announced on the 10th that a ceasefire had taken effect in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 PM (6:00 PM Korean time) and that troops had been withdrawn.

In a statement, the Israeli military announced, "After 12:00 PM, troops began repositioning according to a revised deployment line in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages."

The Israeli military explained that the Southern Command troops would continue to conduct immediate threat elimination activities while stationed in the redeployment area. This serves as a warning that military operations can be resumed at any time if unforeseen circumstances arise after the ceasefire.

The Israeli media outlet Ynet reported that the Israeli military had dismantled its forward operating bases and defensive positions established in the Gaza Strip and completed its withdrawal. It was explained that various facilities such as generators, antennas, and observation posts were dismantled.

The Israeli military is refraining from providing detailed explanations regarding the new deployment locations.

In this regard, an official from the Gaza Civil Defense Force stated that "Israeli forces have withdrawn from several areas including Gaza City," according to AFP news agency. He added that Israeli military vehicles had also withdrawn from some areas of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

The areas from which troops are withdrawing include Tel al-Hawa and the Al-Shati refugee camp, where the Israeli military recently conducted intense air and ground operations. AFP reported that Gaza residents also said that Israeli forces appeared to be withdrawing.

"Israeli forces begin withdrawal from Gaza City, etc.". EPA Yonhap News. 

Even as Israeli forces were withdrawing, gunfire continued to echo in the Gaza Strip, and a Civil Defense Force official claimed that Gaza residents had died in Israeli attacks that day.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense Force, said that Israeli fighter jets were flying low over Gaza that day, and Israeli airstrikes and the firing of smoke grenades were reported in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.

AFP reported that thousands of residents who had evacuated to southern Gaza due to the Israeli military's operations were returning north upon hearing the news of the ceasefire.

As Israel declared the ceasefire effective at noon today, the deadline for releasing all surviving hostages, in accordance with the agreement for Hamas to release all surviving hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect, is noon on the 13th.

Hamas plans to release surviving hostages all at once first, and then return the bodies of the deceased in stages. In return, Israel is to release 1,700 Palestinian prisoners held in its country. The bodies of 360 Hamas militants will also be returned.

Of the 251 hostages kidnapped during Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 47 are still being held in Gaza, and only 20 of them are believed to be alive. Including previously deceased hostages, a total of 48 are still in Gaza.

Considering that Hamas had explained to mediators such as Qatar and Egypt that the whereabouts of some of the deceased hostages were unclear, the handover of bodies may take time.

Going forward, a task force (TF) comprising forces from countries including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkey is expected to be formed to supervise the ceasefire situation and engage in hostage search operations.

Yonhap News