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The respite resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the freeing of the living hostages has led to extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees begin their release – although concern remains due to doubt about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Across northern Gaza, civilians can now go back to search the debris for the remains of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Against Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire looked improbable. However it has been implemented, 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 diplomatic gathering of over 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Previous Experiences

Hopes that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering previous instances, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The lack of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan undermines self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the hostage release, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone restored Israel’s honor after purported disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to humanitarian access and eventual negotiations.

Substantive Control Vital for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that withholds one side substantive control is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The truce and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not currently political progress. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and control over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating domination under the discourse of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But rebuilding should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need assistance restoring homes, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, religious buildings and other institutions shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to succeed, funding must flow quickly and security gaps be remedied.

Similar to a great deal of the president's resolution initiative, references to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “diplomatic committee” are disturbingly unclear.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Substantial international support for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to replace Hamas, is perhaps the most encouraging scenario. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the moral case for a solution to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the repatriation of the captives and vow by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, Mr Trump’s record offers minimal cause to believe he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to endeavor. Immediate respite should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.