Trump: Second Phase of Gaza Deal Commences Immediately

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday on Truth Social that the second phase of the Gaza agreement has begun, but the ceasefire deal remains clouded in uncertainty as Israel continues to delay humanitarian aid deliveries.

Trump's announcement comes at a critical moment when the fragile ceasefire agreement faces its first major test. The deal, which was supposed to include regular aid shipments to Gaza's 2.3 million residents, has hit roadblocks as Israeli authorities slow down the approval and delivery process.

The second phase typically involves more complex negotiations around prisoner exchanges, reconstruction efforts, and long-term security arrangements. But the current delays in basic humanitarian assistance raise questions about whether both sides are fully committed to moving forward.

For regional stability, these delays matter. Each day that aid trucks sit at border crossings instead of reaching desperate civilians increases the risk that the ceasefire could collapse. Gaza's population has been living under severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and fuel for months.

The timing also puts pressure on Trump's administration to demonstrate it can broker lasting Middle East agreements. Success here could set the tone for other diplomatic efforts in the region, while failure would signal that even basic humanitarian commitments can't be enforced.

Markets have been watching these developments closely, as regional instability typically affects oil prices and broader investor confidence in Middle Eastern assets. A breakdown in the Gaza agreement could trigger wider tensions that extend beyond the immediate conflict zone.