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T reprieve resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of the living hostages has led to extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are taking place as as many as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – though distress persists due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, people can finally go back to search the debris for the remnants of an believed 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood 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 prestigious peace summit of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative initiated there is set to advance at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, successfully brokered this deal come to fruition – regardless of, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, considering historical precedent, slightly idealistic. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war has caused. The lack of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader could not resist polarising and individualizing 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 ethical drama in which he alone reclaimed Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration previously having tried a comparable agreement: a truce linked to relief entry and eventual political talks.

Meaningful Agency Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A plan that withholds one side genuine autonomy cannot yield sustainable agreement. The truce and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is not currently diplomatic advancement. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and command over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating domination under the discourse of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the initial concern. But restoration must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help restoring dwellings, schools, hospitals, mosques and other organizations devastated by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, funding must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be remedied.

Comparable with much of Donald Trump's resolution initiative, references to an global peacekeeping unit and a recommended “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Robust global backing for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to succeed Hamas, is perhaps the most promising scenario. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the repatriation of the detainees and commitment by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s record gives little reason to have faith he will fulfill – or consider himself obligated to endeavor. Temporary ease does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.