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The respite following the end of fighting in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of captives held alive has sparked extensive joy. In Gaza and the West Bank, celebrations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – though anguish remains due to uncertainty about who is being freed and their eventual placements. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can now go back to sift through wreckage for the remains of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Earlier Odds

As recently as three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet 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-powered diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal take place – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the total ruin this war leaves behind. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative undermines self-aggrandizing allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a moment of respite – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a ethical drama in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s dignity after alleged betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration twelve months prior having tried a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and ultimate political talks.

Meaningful Agency Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that denies one side meaningful agency cannot yield sustainable agreement. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be welcomed. But this is still not political progress. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian engagement and authority over their own institutions, any deal threatens perpetuating subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on emergency support – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But rebuilding cannot wait. Among 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help reconstructing residences, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, religious buildings and other establishments shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, funding must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be addressed.

Similar to much of Donald Trump's diplomatic proposal, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Potential Developments

Strong global backing for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to replace Hamas, is probably the most promising prospect. The tremendous pain of the past two years means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is potentially more urgent than ever. But while the ceasefire, the homecoming of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be acknowledged as constructive moves, Donald Trump's track record offers minimal cause to have faith he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Short-term relief does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.