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T reprieve resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of captives held alive has resulted in broad celebration. In Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – although anguish lingers due to uncertainty about which prisoners are returning and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, residents can at last go back to sift through wreckage for the remains of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Against Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But 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 attended a prestigious peace summit of in excess of 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace launched at that summit is due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal take place – despite, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Past Precedents

Hopes that the deal marks the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the total ruin this war has caused. The lack of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative contradicts self-aggrandizing allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

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

In a period of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s dignity after supposed betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration previously having undertaken a similar deal: a ceasefire connected with humanitarian access and ultimate negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A plan that refuses one side substantive control cannot yield sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is still not political progress. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian participation and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers perpetuating domination under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But rebuilding should not be postponed. Within 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need assistance reconstructing residences, schools, medical centers, places of worship and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must flow quickly and protection voids be remedied.

Like much of Donald Trump's diplomatic proposal, references to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Strong international support for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most promising scenario. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more urgent than ever. But while the ceasefire, the homecoming of the detainees and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be acknowledged as constructive moves, the president's history gives little reason to believe he will accomplish – or consider himself obligated to attempt. Temporary ease should not be interpreted as that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.