A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has come into effect, with the Israeli military confirming an end to the fighting began at 12pm local time on Friday.
Thousands of Palestinians have been seen heading north towards Gaza City after being displaced.
Israeli troops were withdrawing to agreed-upon deployment lines, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said.
A statement released by the IDF read: "Since 12:00, IDF troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages.
"IDF troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to remove any immediate threat."
The IDF confirmed, overnight, troops "conducted a large-scale logistics operation in which troops were moved to predesignated lines and positions.
"Alongside the rearrangement of troops in the area, full logistical, medical and maintenance support is being provided to all units.
"Technology and maintenance personnel are restoring the readiness of vehicles and technological systems and are establishing the necessary infrastructure to reinforce and maintain the defence line."
The announcement comes after Palestinians reported heavy shelling Friday morning in northern Gaza.
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