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T respite following the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has led to widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – though anguish lingers due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can finally return to search the debris for the bodies of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Against Earlier Odds

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire looked improbable. However it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-level diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative launched at that summit is due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, did make this deal take place – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Moderated by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal marks the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, in light of previous instances, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has caused. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

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

In a moment of respite – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he solely reinstated Israel’s honor after alleged betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having attempted a similar deal: a truce connected with humanitarian access and future diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Legitimate Peace

A proposal that withholds one side substantive control cannot produce legitimate peace. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not yet diplomatic advancement. Without processes securing Palestinian engagement and authority over their own establishments, any deal risks cementing oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But reconstruction cannot wait. Among 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need assistance repairing dwellings, learning institutions, hospitals, religious buildings and other establishments shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, monetary resources must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Like much of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a recommended “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

International Support and Potential Developments

Substantial international support for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to replace Hamas, is probably the most encouraging possibility. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But although the truce, the homecoming of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, the president's history gives little reason to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Immediate respite does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.