Israeli forces withdraw as ceasefire takes effect…hostage release deadline is noon on the 13th

Israeli forces said that a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 p.m. on the 10th (6:00 p.m. Korea time), and that troops have withdrawn.

In a statement that day, the Israeli forces announced, "After 12:00 p.m., troops began redeploying along adjusted deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the transfer of hostages."

They added, "Southern Command forces will remain stationed in redeployed areas and continue activities to remove immediate threats." This was a warning that military operations could be resumed at any time if a contingency arises even after the ceasefire.

Israeli outlet Ynet also reported that "the Israeli forces dismantled forward positions and defensive positions they had established in the Gaza Strip and completed their withdrawal."

However, the Israeli forces have refrained from giving detailed explanations about the new deployment points.

Relatedly, according to AFP, a senior official of the Gaza civil defense said, "Israeli forces have withdrawn from several areas including Gaza City," and added, "Israeli military vehicles also withdrew from some areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip."

The areas from which forces are withdrawing include Tel al-Hawa and the Al-Shati refugee camp, where Israeli forces had recently carried out intense air and ground operations.

The civil defense official also claimed, "Gunfire continued to be heard in the Gaza Strip even while Israeli forces were withdrawing, and Gaza Strip residents were killed in Israeli attacks that day."

AFP also reported that thousands of residents who had fled south to the Gaza Strip have been returning north following the news of the ceasefire taking effect.

Meanwhile, since Israel declared the ceasefire effective at noon that day, under the agreement that Hamas will release all surviving hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect, the deadline for releases became noon on the 13th.

Hamas plans to release all surviving hostages at once first, then return the bodies of the deceased in stages. In return, Israel must release 1700 Palestinian detainees held in its territory. The bodies of 360 Hamas militants will also be returned.

Of the 251 hostages abducted during Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 47 are still held in the Gaza Strip, and only 20 of them are estimated to be alive. Including previously abducted hostages who died, a total of 48 remain in the Gaza Strip.

Considering that Hamas told mediators such as Qatar and Egypt that the whereabouts of some of the deceased hostages are unclear, it may take time to hand over the bodies.

Lee Bo-bae Hankyung.com guest reporter newsinfo@hankyung.com