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The respite resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the freeing of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees start to be released – even as distress persists due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, people can finally return to dig through rubble for the remains of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire looked improbable. But it has been implemented, 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 peace summit of over 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal happen – contrary to, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Qualified by Previous Experiences

Aspirations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of previous instances, slightly idealistic. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has produced. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian autonomy in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader was unable to refrain from sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a time of respite – with the freeing of captives, truce and renewal of aid – he chose to recast it as a lesson in ethics in which he exclusively restored Israel’s dignity after alleged betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration twelve months prior having attempted a analogous arrangement: a ceasefire linked to relief entry and eventual diplomatic discussions.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Legitimate Peace

A plan that denies one side substantive control cannot yield legitimate peace. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is still not political progress. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian engagement and command over their own organizations, any deal threatens cementing subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people urgently require emergency support – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help restoring homes, educational facilities, medical centers, places of worship and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and protection voids be filled.

Comparable with much of Donald Trump's peace plan, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to replace Hamas, is likely the most hopeful scenario. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a resolution to the conflict is possibly more pressing than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, Mr Trump’s history offers minimal cause to have faith he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Short-term relief does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.