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Israeli forces continued attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire taking effect on Friday, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt for mediating the agreement.
Israeli warplanes and artillery units targeted the eastern part of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip in the morning hours after the Security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement overnight, eyewitnesses said.
Witnesses also said Israeli tanks opened fire around the Netzarim Corridor, which separates the northern and southern Gaza Strip.
Israeli military vehicles stationed around the Shakush area northwest of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire on homes and tents where displaced civilians were staying. Israeli artillery units also fired smoke bombs at northeastern Khan Yunis and carried out airstrikes on the city center.
The Gaza Health Ministry has not yet stated casualties from the recent attacks.
The Times of Israel reported the Israeli army is conducting a partial withdrawal from some areas of the Gaza Strip, accompanied by artillery fire and airstrikes.
The Israeli army's partial withdrawal from Gaza is expected to be completed at noon, according to the report.
Israeli state broadcaster KAN reported Israeli soldiers began withdrawing to "adjusted deployment lines" after the agreement was approved. Israeli Army Radio wrote that some brigades withdrew from Gaza after the agreement took effect.
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Images from the region show military activity on the Gaza border following the partial withdrawal. Numerous Israeli tanks and armored vehicles were seen leaving Gaza.
A state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent on the Gaza border reported Israeli warplanes and helicopters continue to fly in the area. Artillery fire and occasional gunfire can be heard in the northern Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army's press office did not respond to AA's written question about why explosions continue in Gaza despite the ceasefire.
German Chancellor Merz thanked Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt for their mediation in achieving the ceasefire in Gaza.
"A ceasefire agreement has been successfully signed after more than two years of war in Gaza," Merz said in a statement following the Israeli government's approval of the ceasefire agreement under U.S. President Donald Trump's plan.
"This is good news for people in the Middle East and beyond. I thank our partners in Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their mediation," he added.
Merz also thanked Trump for the peace initiative, adding that the ceasefire must be implemented quickly.
"The hostages, including German citizens, must finally be reunited with their families," Merz said, adding, "The ceasefire must take effect and gain stability in the coming weeks. Humanitarian aid must reach the people of Gaza quickly."
Merz emphasized that military participation is not an option for Germany, adding, "However, we want to help create the legal framework for such a presence through means such as a Security Council resolution."
Merz noted Germany will review permits it granted for arms exports that could be used in Gaza in light of developments in the region.
"Our government follows a clear path on this," Merz said, adding, "This is an expression of our permanent historical responsibility."
Merz said he firmly believes a two-state solution offers the best hope for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in lasting peace and security.
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