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.

The Syrian Democratic Forces control large parts of northeast Syria, and are a longstanding ally of Washington against the Islamic State group.

The two-year war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas eased with a ceasefire three months ago, but there has been neither peace nor reconstruction. Phase 2 promises progress, but the peace process itself is becoming increasingly controversial.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed nine people, including three women, following the U.S. announcement of a second phase in the fragile ceasefire.

Syria reaches fragile ceasefire with Kurdish forces as U.S. senator warns about reported crimes by government troops during military operation against SDF.

The US announced the start of the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan on Wednesday as a new committee was formed to run the battered enclave.

Hamas says Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire 1,298 times over 100 days, killing 483 Palestinians, restricting aid, and blocking reconstruction, while urging mediators to enforce nine demands.

The United Kingdom has welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the full integration of SDF into the institutions of the Syrian state.