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The respite resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the release of surviving detainees has led to widespread elation. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, festivities are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates are being freed – although concern remains due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now go back to dig through rubble for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Previous Doubts

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. Yet it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level diplomatic gathering of more than 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is due to be continued at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal marks the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given previous instances, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the complete destruction this war has produced. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative contradicts boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

The American leader could not resist dividing and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a moment of ease – with the hostage release, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a lesson in ethics in which he alone reinstated Israel’s prestige after purported betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration twelve months prior having undertaken a comparable agreement: a truce connected with relief entry and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A initiative that withholds one side genuine autonomy cannot yield authentic resolution. The halt in hostilities and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is still not diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms securing Palestinian engagement and command over their own institutions, any deal threatens cementing oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But rebuilding should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need support repairing dwellings, educational facilities, medical centers, places of worship and other institutions shattered by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, funding must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of Donald Trump's peace plan, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian Authority, permitting it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most encouraging prospect. 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 while the halt in fighting, the repatriation of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, Mr Trump’s track record offers minimal cause to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to endeavor. Temporary ease does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.