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The relief following the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees begin their release – though concern persists due to ambiguity about which prisoners are returning and their destinations. In northern Gaza, people can finally return to sift through wreckage for the remains of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Contrary to Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However 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 joined a prestigious diplomatic gathering of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal take place – regardless of, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Tempered by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of historical precedent, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The lack of any timeline for Palestinian self-determination in the US initiative contradicts self-aggrandizing allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

Donald Trump could not help himself sowing division and personalising 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 lesson in ethics in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s prestige after purported disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a similar deal: a truce tied to aid delivery and ultimate negotiations.

Substantive Control Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that denies one side genuine autonomy cannot produce legitimate peace. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not currently political progress. Without systems ensuring Palestinian participation and authority over their own organizations, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the primary focus. But reconstruction cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help repairing homes, schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must flow quickly and security gaps be addressed.

Like a large portion of Mr Trump’s diplomatic proposal, allusions to an global peacekeeping unit and a suggested “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Strong international support for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most promising prospect. The immense hardship of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is possibly more pressing than ever. But while the truce, the repatriation of the captives and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be acknowledged as positive steps, Donald Trump's track record gives little reason to trust he will accomplish – or feel bound to endeavor. Immediate respite does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.