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The reprieve resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the liberation of surviving detainees has led to extensive joy. Across Palestinian territories, festivities have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates are being freed – though distress persists due to doubt about which prisoners are returning and their destinations. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can finally return to dig through rubble for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Despite Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a prestigious peace conference of over 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is due to be continued at a assembly 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.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of historical precedent, slightly idealistic. It offers no clear path to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the utter devastation this war has produced. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in the presidential proposal contradicts vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

The US president was unable to refrain from polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the freeing of captives, truce and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone restored Israel’s dignity after alleged treachery by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having tried a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities connected with aid delivery and future negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that denies one side meaningful agency is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The truce and relief shipments are to be embraced. But this is still not policy development. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and authority over their own institutions, any deal endangers freezing subjugation under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But restoration should not be postponed. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help reconstructing dwellings, educational facilities, hospitals, mosques and other institutions destroyed by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, monetary resources must flow quickly and protection voids be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of the president's diplomatic proposal, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Substantial international support for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful scenario. The immense hardship of the recent period means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is potentially more urgent than ever. But although the halt in fighting, the return of the hostages and vow by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as favorable developments, Donald Trump's history offers minimal cause to have faith he will accomplish – or feel bound to attempt. Temporary ease does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.