WATCH: IDF attacks Hamas fighters in Khan Yunis, moments before ceasefir

The Israeli military commenced a new ceasefire with Hamas at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, though commanders emphasize they remain ready to resume fighting at a moment's notice if the agreement falters.

In preparation for the pause in hostilities, Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from Gaza's urban areas overnight, repositioning to predetermined zones agreed upon in the ceasefire terms. The IDF's Southern Command is simultaneously bolstering its border presence and air defense systems, anticipating possible rocket fire both before and after the ceasefire takes effect.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, speaking after visiting northern Gaza's Beit Hanoun, highlighted the military's achievements over the past 15 months. "We have defeated Hamas's military wing and eliminated the organization's chain of command and its leader, Yahya Sinwar," Halevi stated. However, he stressed that "the work doesn't end here" and pledged to prevent Hamas from regaining control.

The military has issued stern warnings to Gaza residents to avoid approaching areas where Israeli forces will remain deployed during the ceasefire. Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesman, emphasized that movement from southern to northern Gaza remains restricted until further notice. The agreement does include provisions for Palestinian civilians to eventually return north - on foot via the coastal road starting on day seven, and through the Salah a-Din road on day 22.

The ceasefire agreement, approved by Israel's cabinet on Friday night, marks a significant milestone in a conflict that began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and saw 251 people taken hostage. Currently, 98 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, including at least 34 confirmed deceased by the IDF. Previous negotiations resulted in the release of 105 civilians during a November truce, while Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages and recovered 40 bodies.

As the IDF maintains its defensive posture, Halevi acknowledged both the military's achievements and its initial failure on October 7. "The level of security today is significantly better than it was on October 7 and before it," he said, while emphasizing the army's commitment to preventing any similar attacks in the future.

The military continues to hold positions along the Philadelphi Corridor near the Egyptian border and maintains strict maritime restrictions along Gaza's coast.

Israeli journalist Sapir Lipkin reported Hamas' statement:

"With the ceasefire taking effect, we confirm our commitment to implement the sections of the agreement. Our prisoners are on the verge of freedom starting today. We are monitoring the transfer of aid to our people and emphasize that all efforts will be taken to provide everything necessary to return life in the Gaza Strip to routine."

The Times of Israel contributed to this article.