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T relief brought by the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of surviving detainees has sparked extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are taking place as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – although distress persists due to doubt about which prisoners are returning and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, people can now return to dig through rubble for the remnants of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was applauded 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 due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal signifies the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, given previous instances, slightly idealistic. It offers no clear path to self-rule for Palestinians and risks separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The absence of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader could not help himself sowing division and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a time of respite – with the liberation of detainees, truce and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone reinstated Israel’s dignity after purported treachery by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having tried a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities linked to humanitarian access and eventual diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Vital for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that refuses one side meaningful agency cannot yield sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be embraced. But this is not currently policy development. Without processes securing Palestinian engagement and control over their own organizations, any deal risks perpetuating domination under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need assistance restoring homes, schools, hospitals, mosques and other establishments devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, monetary resources must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of the president's diplomatic proposal, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “peace council” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Potential Developments

Strong global backing for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to take over from Hamas, is likely the most hopeful possibility. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Donald Trump's track record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to try. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.