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The respite resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. In Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – even as anguish persists due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can finally go back to search the debris for the remains of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Contrary to Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has been implemented, 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 diplomatic gathering of more than 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is scheduled to proceed at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal happen – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Tempered by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has caused. The absence of any timeline for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative gives the lie to self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

The American leader could not resist dividing and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a time of respite – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he solely restored Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having undertaken a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities linked to aid delivery and future negotiations.

Substantive Control Crucial for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that refuses one side meaningful agency cannot produce authentic resolution. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is still not political progress. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and command over their own organizations, any deal threatens perpetuating oppression under the discourse of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need emergency support – and nutrition and medication must be the first priority. But reconstruction cannot wait. Within 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help reconstructing homes, learning institutions, medical centers, mosques and other institutions devastated by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, monetary resources must be disbursed rapidly and protection voids be remedied.

Like a great deal of Donald Trump's peace plan, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a suggested “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most encouraging scenario. The immense hardship of the past two years means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more pressing than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the homecoming of the captives and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s record provides scant basis to have faith he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Short-term relief does not imply that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.