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T reprieve resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the freeing of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian inmates begin their release – although concern remains due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their destinations. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can at last reenter dig through rubble for the remains of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire looked improbable. But it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a prestigious peace summit of more than 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is set to advance at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal happen – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Tempered by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal signifies the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering past occurrences, rather hopeful. It offers no clear path to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has produced. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative undermines self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not resist sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of ease – with the liberation of detainees, truce and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s honor after alleged treachery by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration previously having attempted a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities tied to aid delivery and ultimate negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that withholds one side substantive control cannot yield authentic resolution. The truce and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is still not political progress. Without processes securing Palestinian involvement and authority over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the initial concern. But restoration must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help restoring residences, schools, medical centers, mosques and other establishments shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, funding must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Like much of the president's peace plan, references to an multinational security contingent and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Robust worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to replace Hamas, is probably the most encouraging possibility. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a resolution to the conflict is possibly more urgent than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the return of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, Donald Trump's record gives little reason to believe he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to try. Short-term relief does not imply that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.