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T reprieve following the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. In Israel, the release of the living hostages has resulted in extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as anguish remains due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now reenter search the debris for the remains of an approximated 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Contrary to Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. Yet it has come into force, 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-level peace conference of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap launched at that summit is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, managed to secure this deal happen – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal marks the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering historical precedent, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the utter devastation this war has produced. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in the presidential proposal undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

The US president was unable to refrain from polarising and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a time of respite – with the hostage release, truce and resumption of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a ethical drama in which he solely reinstated Israel’s dignity after purported disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having attempted a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities connected with humanitarian access and future negotiations.

Substantive Control Vital for Sustainable Agreement

A initiative that denies one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering legitimate peace. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is still not political progress. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers perpetuating domination under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But rebuilding cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need support restoring residences, schools, medical centers, mosques and other organizations shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, funding must arrive promptly and security gaps be addressed.

Similar to a great deal of Donald Trump's diplomatic proposal, references to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “board of peace” are disturbingly unclear.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most hopeful scenario. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But while the halt in fighting, the return of the hostages and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Donald Trump's track record offers minimal cause to have faith he will deliver – or feel bound to endeavor. Short-term relief does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.