GAZA/JERUSALEM, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Hamas-run interior authority said on Friday that its security forces will begin deploying in areas of the Gaza Strip from which the Israeli army withdraws after the ceasefire agreement comes into effect.

In a press statement, the authority said the deployment aims to restore public order and address the chaos left by the two-year war, which caused heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip.

It "congratulates the Palestinian people on the agreement to end the war that lasted for two years," the authority said.

It added that the security forces will work to restore security and stability, urging residents to cooperate with the security personnel and adhere to safety instructions.

The Israeli military announced earlier in the day that a ceasefire in Gaza had come into effect and its forces were withdrawing to the first of three withdrawal lines.

In a statement, the military said the truce began at noon, local time. "Troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines," it said.

"Troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to remove any immediate threat," the military added.

Hamas and Israel on Thursday reached a ceasefire agreement after three days of intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States.

The first phase of the peace plan includes the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza City, the north, Rafah, and Khan Younis, the opening of five crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and prisoners. Enditem