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The respite following the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the freeing of the living hostages has resulted in widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as up to 2,000 Palestinian detainees start to be released – though distress persists due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, civilians can at last return to dig through rubble for the remains of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Peace Breakthrough Despite Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level diplomatic gathering of over 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Moderated by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war has caused. The lack of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative contradicts self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “age of abundance”.

The US president could not resist polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he solely reinstated Israel’s honor after alleged treachery by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having tried a analogous arrangement: a truce tied to relief entry and eventual negotiations.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that refuses one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering legitimate peace. The truce and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not currently political progress. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and control over their own establishments, any deal endangers perpetuating domination under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help repairing homes, schools, hospitals, religious buildings and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to prosper, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be filled.

Comparable with a great deal of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a proposed “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial global backing for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to replace Hamas, is probably the most hopeful possibility. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the repatriation of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as positive steps, the president's record provides scant basis to believe he will deliver – or feel bound to endeavor. Short-term relief does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.