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The reprieve following the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the freeing of captives held alive has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations have commenced as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – although distress lingers due to uncertainty about who is being freed and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, civilians can now return to sift through wreckage for the bodies of an believed 10,000 missing people.

Truce Development Contrary to Earlier Odds

Just three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. But it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace launched at that summit is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given historical precedent, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has caused. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative gives the lie to vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader could not help himself sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the freeing of captives, truce and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s dignity after alleged betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having attempted a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities connected with aid delivery and eventual political talks.

Substantive Control Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A plan that withholds one side substantive control cannot yield sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not yet political progress. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian participation and command over their own establishments, any deal risks cementing domination under the discourse of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people urgently require relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But restoration cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need assistance restoring residences, learning institutions, medical centers, religious buildings and other organizations devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to prosper, funding must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Similar to much of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “board of peace” are disturbingly unclear.

Global Backing and Potential Developments

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most promising possibility. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the return of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as favorable developments, the president's record provides scant basis to trust he will fulfill – or feel bound to try. Immediate respite does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.