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T respite resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the release of the living hostages has resulted in widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, festivities are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – although concern persists due to doubt about who is being freed and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, people can at last return to dig through rubble for the bodies of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. Yet it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-level peace conference of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, in light of previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has caused. The lack of any timeframe for Palestinian autonomy in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump could not help himself sowing division and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of ease – with the freeing of captives, truce and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he exclusively reinstated Israel’s honor after purported disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having tried a comparable agreement: a truce connected with humanitarian access and ultimate negotiations.

Substantive Control Essential for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that denies one side meaningful agency cannot yield sustainable agreement. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is not currently diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian participation and command over their own institutions, any deal risks cementing oppression under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But rebuilding must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help restoring residences, educational facilities, medical centers, mosques and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be addressed.

Like much of the president's resolution initiative, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Future Prospects

Strong global backing for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most promising possibility. The tremendous pain of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But although the halt in fighting, the return of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or feel bound to attempt. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.