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The relief brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has resulted in widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – though distress lingers due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now go back to sift through wreckage for the bodies of an believed 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a prestigious peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is scheduled to proceed at a conference in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Qualified by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal represents the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, given past occurrences, slightly idealistic. It provides no definite route to self-rule for Palestinians and risks separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative undermines boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “age of abundance”.

The American leader could not resist sowing division and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the hostage release, halt in fighting and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he exclusively reinstated Israel’s dignity after supposed betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration a year ago having tried a similar deal: a truce tied to humanitarian access and eventual negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Crucial for Legitimate Peace

A proposal that refuses one side substantive control is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The truce and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is still not political progress. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian participation and command over their own institutions, any deal threatens freezing oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the initial concern. But reconstruction cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help restoring dwellings, learning institutions, medical centers, mosques and other establishments devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of Mr Trump’s peace plan, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Strong international support for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to replace Hamas, is perhaps the most promising possibility. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more pressing than ever. But although the halt in fighting, the homecoming of the detainees and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, Donald Trump's record provides scant basis to believe he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to endeavor. Temporary ease does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.