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The respite brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Across Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has led to widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are being freed – even as anguish persists due to ambiguity about which prisoners are returning and their eventual placements. Across northern Gaza, residents can now return to dig through rubble for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Despite Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire looked improbable. However it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-level peace conference of more than 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative launched at that summit 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 because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has produced. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in the presidential proposal gives the lie to boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president was unable to refrain from polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the hostage release, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he exclusively restored Israel’s honor after purported betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration previously having tried a comparable agreement: a truce connected with relief entry and eventual diplomatic discussions.

Substantive Control Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that refuses one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering authentic resolution. The truce and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is not yet political progress. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and command over their own organizations, any deal endangers perpetuating oppression under the language of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people urgently require relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But restoration must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need support restoring homes, schools, medical centers, religious buildings and other institutions devastated by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, funding must flow quickly and safety deficiencies be filled.

Similar to a large portion of the president's peace plan, references to an global peacekeeping unit and a recommended “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial international support for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most encouraging scenario. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a resolution to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the repatriation of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s record gives little reason to trust he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to endeavor. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.