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T reprieve resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. In Israel, the freeing of surviving detainees has sparked widespread elation. In Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are being freed – although concern persists due to doubt about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, civilians can at last return to search the debris for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a high-level diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is set to advance at a conference in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal happen – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given past occurrences, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan undermines boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader was unable to refrain from polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of relief – with the liberation of detainees, ceasefire and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s prestige after alleged treachery by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration twelve months prior having undertaken a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities connected with relief entry and ultimate political talks.

Meaningful Agency Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that refuses one side substantive control is incapable of delivering authentic resolution. The halt in hostilities and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is not currently political progress. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and control over their own institutions, any deal endangers perpetuating oppression under the language of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people urgently require relief assistance – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But rebuilding must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help restoring homes, schools, healthcare facilities, mosques and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must flow quickly and security gaps be filled.

Like a great deal of the president's resolution initiative, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a proposed “peace council” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Future Prospects

Strong global backing for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most hopeful scenario. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But although the truce, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, the president's track record offers minimal cause to trust he will accomplish – or feel bound to attempt. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.