Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to shut a U.S.-led multinational coordinating centre that supports President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war.

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."

Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov faces perhaps his most difficult task yet. As the newly minted High Representative for Gaza, he must try to turn the US-brokered ceasefire into lasting peace.

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

Israeli forces have wounded several Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, firing on civilians and launching air and artillery attacks in the latest near-daily violations of the ceasefire in place since October, as its genocidal war on the besieged enclave continues unabated.

Trump launches phase two of Gaza plan focusing on demilitarization Hamas and reconstruction, but experts warn disarming Hamas remains decisive challenge.

Israel’s government is objecting to a White House announcement about leaders overseeing the next steps in Gaza as the ceasefire enters its challenging second phase.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem called the announcement on the second phase an "important positive development" and said they are "fully prepared to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip" to the NCAG.