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The relief resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is immense. Across Israel, the freeing of the living hostages has resulted in broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as concern persists due to uncertainty about which prisoners are returning and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can finally return to dig through rubble for the remnants of an estimated 10,000 missing people.

Peace Breakthrough Against Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered peace summit of in excess of 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Tempered by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal marks the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given past occurrences, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in the presidential proposal contradicts boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

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

In a period of relief – with the hostage release, truce and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he alone reclaimed Israel’s honor after alleged disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having tried a comparable agreement: a ceasefire connected with relief entry and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that denies one side substantive control cannot yield sustainable agreement. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be embraced. But this is not yet political progress. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian participation and control over their own institutions, any deal endangers freezing subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help repairing residences, learning institutions, medical centers, mosques and other organizations shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, funding must arrive promptly and security gaps be filled.

Similar to a large portion of Donald Trump's peace plan, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a proposed “board of peace” are disturbingly unclear.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Robust global backing for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most encouraging prospect. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the repatriation of the captives and vow by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s track record provides scant basis to have faith he will fulfill – or feel bound to attempt. Temporary ease does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.