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The reprieve following the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the freeing of the living hostages has resulted in widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees begin their release – although distress remains due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can at last go back to sift through wreckage for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Previous Doubts

As recently as three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious peace summit of more than 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative begun there is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Moderated by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of past occurrences, rather hopeful. It offers no clear path to independence for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has produced. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “golden age”.

The American leader could not help himself dividing and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the freeing of captives, truce and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he exclusively reinstated Israel’s honor after purported betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration a year ago having undertaken a similar deal: a truce linked to relief entry and future political talks.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering authentic resolution. The halt in hostilities and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is not currently policy development. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and command over their own organizations, any deal endangers cementing domination under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need humanitarian aid – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But restoration cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need assistance repairing homes, educational facilities, medical centers, places of worship and other institutions devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to succeed, financial support must flow quickly and protection voids be filled.

Like a large portion of Donald Trump's resolution initiative, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

Worldwide Endorsement and Potential Developments

Robust international support for the Gaza's governing body, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most promising possibility. The immense hardship of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But while the truce, the homecoming of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to try. Immediate respite should not be interpreted as that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.