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T respite following the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Across Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has resulted in extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations have commenced as as many as 2,000 Palestinian detainees start to be released – even as concern lingers due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their destinations. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can at last return to search the debris for the remains of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Prior Uncertainty

Just three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However 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 participated in a prestigious peace summit of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative begun there is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, did make this deal come to fruition – regardless of, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal represents the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of previous instances, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has caused. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

The American leader was unable to refrain from sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he alone reinstated Israel’s prestige after alleged betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having attempted a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities connected with humanitarian access and future diplomatic discussions.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Authentic Resolution

A plan that denies one side substantive control cannot yield authentic resolution. The halt in hostilities and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is not yet policy development. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian engagement and control over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But restoration should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help restoring residences, learning institutions, medical centers, religious buildings and other institutions shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to prosper, financial support must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Comparable with a large portion of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a proposed “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Potential Developments

Robust global backing for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to replace Hamas, is likely the most promising possibility. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But while the truce, the homecoming of the captives and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, the president's track record provides scant basis to trust he will accomplish – or consider himself obligated to attempt. Immediate respite does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.