The IDF withdrawal, which occurred under cover of artillery fire and airstrikes in some areas, starts a 72-hour countdown during which Hamas is to release all remaining hostages as part of the first phase of the US-brokered deal. The IDF released footage of its drawdown.

"CENTCOM has confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces completed the first phase withdrawal to the yellow line at 12PM local time. The 72 hour period to release the hostages has begun," Steve Witkoff posted on X, offering US verification.

With the withdrawal, Israel's military now effectively controls a little over half of the Strip's territory, but which is mostly outside urban zones.