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The reprieve resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. Across Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has sparked broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, festivities are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates begin their release – though concern lingers due to uncertainty about which prisoners are returning and their eventual placements. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now reenter search the debris for the remnants of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Prior Uncertainty

Just three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered peace conference of more than 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Qualified by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of previous instances, rather hopeful. It offers no clear path to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the total ruin this war leaves behind. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in the presidential proposal undermines boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “age of abundance”.

The American leader was unable to refrain from dividing and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a lesson in ethics in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s honor after alleged betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration previously having undertaken a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and eventual negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Crucial for Authentic Resolution

A plan that denies one side substantive control is incapable of delivering legitimate peace. The halt in hostilities and humanitarian convoys are to be welcomed. But this is not yet political progress. Without systems ensuring Palestinian engagement and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers cementing oppression under the discourse of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need emergency support – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But restoration must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need support repairing residences, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, mosques and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to succeed, financial support must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Similar to a large portion of Donald Trump's peace plan, allusions to an global peacekeeping unit and a proposed “peace council” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Potential Developments

Substantial global backing for the Gaza's governing body, permitting it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most encouraging possibility. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is arguably more urgent than ever. But while the ceasefire, the repatriation of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be acknowledged as favorable developments, the president's record gives little reason to have faith he will accomplish – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Temporary ease does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been advanced.