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T relief resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the freeing of surviving detainees has led to widespread elation. In Gaza and the West Bank, festivities have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – though anguish remains due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, residents can now return to search the debris for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Peace Breakthrough Contrary to Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level peace summit of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is scheduled to proceed at a conference in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal come to fruition – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Qualified by Previous Experiences

Expectations that the deal signifies the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given past occurrences, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has caused. The absence of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not resist polarising and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the liberation of detainees, ceasefire and renewal of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone restored Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having undertaken a analogous arrangement: a ceasefire linked to aid delivery and future negotiations.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side substantive control cannot yield sustainable agreement. The truce and relief shipments are to be embraced. But this is still not political progress. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and command over their own establishments, any deal endangers cementing subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But reconstruction cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help repairing dwellings, educational facilities, medical centers, religious buildings and other establishments devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and protection voids be addressed.

Similar to a great deal of Mr Trump’s peace plan, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a proposed “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Robust global backing for the Palestinian Authority, permitting it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most hopeful prospect. The tremendous pain of the past two years means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the halt in fighting, the return of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, the president's record offers minimal cause to believe he will accomplish – or feel bound to attempt. Short-term relief does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.