Virtually the entire population of more than 2 million people are confined to around a third of Gaza's territory, mostly in makeshift tents and damaged buildings.

President Donald Trump closed out 2025 with his plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in fine fettle. With an endorsement from the U.N. Security Council to form a “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza's future,

Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff thanked Egypt, Turkey and Qatar "for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible."

Palestinians in Gaza questioned what moving into phase two would actually change on the ground, pointing to ongoing bloodshed and challenges securing basic necessities.

The White House says the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is moving into its second phase, which includes the demilitarization of Gaza, a key point in President Trump's peace plan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the Gaza executive committee was "not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy."

Several European countries are considering whether to stop sending personnel to a U.S. military-led coordination centre for Gaza, saying it has failed to increase aid flows to the war-shattered enclave or achieve political change,