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The reprieve brought by the halt in hostilities in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the release of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as distress remains due to doubt about which prisoners are returning and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, residents can now return to search the debris for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative begun there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal marks the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has caused. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in the presidential proposal undermines self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump could not resist polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the liberation of detainees, truce and restart of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he exclusively restored Israel’s prestige after alleged disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having tried a analogous arrangement: a truce tied to humanitarian access and eventual diplomatic discussions.

Meaningful Agency Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A initiative that refuses one side substantive control cannot produce sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is not yet political progress. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and command over their own institutions, any deal threatens perpetuating oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require humanitarian aid – and nutrition and medication must be the primary focus. But restoration should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need support reconstructing dwellings, educational facilities, hospitals, mosques and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, monetary resources must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be filled.

Similar to a great deal of the president's diplomatic proposal, allusions to an global peacekeeping unit and a suggested “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

International Support and Potential Developments

Strong global backing for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most promising possibility. The immense hardship of the recent period means the ethical argument for a resolution to the conflict is arguably more pressing than ever. But although the truce, the repatriation of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, the president's track record provides scant basis to have faith he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to try. Short-term relief does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been advanced.