Palestinians celebrate following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. AP
Gaza's civil defence agency confirmed Friday that Israeli forces have begun pulling back from parts of the territory, particularly in Gaza City and Khan Younis.
"Israeli forces have withdrawn from several areas in Gaza City," Mohammed al-Mughayyir, a senior official with the agency, told AFP.
Since early morning, a tense calm has prevailed across the Gaza Strip following Israel’s formal approval of the ceasefire deal.
Late Thursday evening, Al Jazeera journalists on the ground reported that the skies in the strip were quiet for the first time in two years.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announced in the early hours of Friday that the cabinet had officially endorsed President Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza.
CNN quoted Israeli officials as saying that the ceasefire came into effect immediately after the government’s approval.
Before the ceasefire went into effect, an airstrike hit a residential building in Gaza City, killing four people and leaving more than 40 missing beneath the rubble.
Shortly after, Israeli occupation forces started pulling out of areas in western Gaza eastward and are expected to complete their withdrawal from Gaza City within 24 hours.
The army radio said troops would soon complete their redeployment to the so-called “yellow line” in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli Channel 12 reported that the 7th Armoured Brigade has already withdrawn from the Strip, followed by the 188th Brigade.
Meanwhile, Army Radio added that the Etzioni Reserve Brigade has begun retreating from the southern city of Khan Younis.
According to Walla, the army has also pulled Golani Brigade combat units and other forces from Gaza, including areas around Gaza City, Al-Shati refugee camp, and the central region, toward the agreed-upon “yellow line.”
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