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T relief following the halt in hostilities in Gaza is profound. Across Israel, the liberation of captives held alive has led to extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – though distress lingers due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can at last reenter search the debris for the bodies of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Against Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But 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 participated in a high-powered diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is set to advance at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Qualified by Previous Experiences

Aspirations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, considering past occurrences, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in the presidential proposal contradicts self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

The American leader was unable to refrain from polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a moment of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone reinstated Israel’s prestige after purported disloyalty by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having undertaken a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities tied to relief entry and future negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A plan that denies one side substantive control cannot produce legitimate peace. The truce and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is still not diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian participation and control over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the discourse of peace.

Aid Necessities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the initial concern. But reconstruction cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help restoring residences, schools, hospitals, mosques and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to succeed, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Like much of Donald Trump's peace plan, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Robust worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most hopeful prospect. The tremendous pain of the recent period means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, Donald Trump's track record offers minimal cause to believe he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Immediate respite does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.