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T reprieve brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Across Israel, the release of the living hostages has led to broad celebration. In Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – though anguish persists due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can at last go back to dig through rubble for the remains of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Against Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. But it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious peace summit of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Qualified by Previous Experiences

Hopes that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, considering past occurrences, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and endangers separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the total ruin this war leaves behind. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

The American leader could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he solely restored Israel’s dignity after purported disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having attempted a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and eventual negotiations.

Meaningful Agency Crucial for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that withholds one side meaningful agency is incapable of delivering authentic resolution. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be welcomed. But this is not currently diplomatic advancement. Without processes securing Palestinian engagement and authority over their own organizations, any deal risks cementing domination under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But restoration must not be delayed. Among 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need assistance repairing homes, schools, medical centers, religious buildings and other establishments shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, monetary resources must flow quickly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Similar to much of Donald Trump's peace plan, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “board of peace” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Robust global backing for the Palestinian Authority, permitting it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most encouraging prospect. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be recognized as favorable developments, Donald Trump's history provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or feel bound to endeavor. Immediate respite does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.