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T respite brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the freeing of surviving detainees has led to widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, festivities are also underway as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – although concern persists due to doubt about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Across northern Gaza, residents can at last reenter search the debris for the remains of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Against Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-powered peace summit of over 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – contrary to, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Tempered by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of past occurrences, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and endangers splitting, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the total ruin this war has caused. The absence of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in the presidential proposal contradicts boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

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

In a moment of ease – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he opted to reframe it as a ethical drama in which he exclusively restored Israel’s honor after alleged treachery by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having undertaken a analogous arrangement: a truce connected with humanitarian access and eventual diplomatic discussions.

Meaningful Agency Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A plan that refuses one side substantive control cannot produce sustainable agreement. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be applauded. But this is not yet political progress. Without systems ensuring Palestinian involvement and control over their own institutions, any deal endangers cementing subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need emergency support – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But restoration should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help repairing dwellings, educational facilities, hospitals, places of worship and other institutions devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be addressed.

Similar to a large portion of Mr Trump’s diplomatic proposal, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Potential Developments

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to replace Hamas, is perhaps the most promising prospect. The immense hardship of the past two years means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the homecoming of the captives and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s track record offers minimal cause to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to try. Immediate respite does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.