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T reprieve resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the freeing of captives held alive has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations have commenced as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – even as distress lingers due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can at last go back to sift through wreckage for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Earlier Odds

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a high-level diplomatic gathering of over 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, managed to secure this deal happen – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, considering previous instances, slightly idealistic. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The absence of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not help himself polarising and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a ethical drama in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s dignity after alleged betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities linked to humanitarian access and eventual political talks.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Legitimate Peace

A proposal that denies one side genuine autonomy cannot produce authentic resolution. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be welcomed. But this is still not diplomatic advancement. Without processes securing Palestinian involvement and command over their own establishments, any deal endangers cementing subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But reconstruction should not be postponed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need assistance restoring dwellings, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, mosques and other organizations devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to succeed, funding must flow quickly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Like a large portion of Donald Trump's resolution initiative, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to replace Hamas, is probably the most promising prospect. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more urgent than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be recognized as favorable developments, the president's track record gives little reason to have faith he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to try. Immediate respite does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been advanced.