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T reprieve following the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of surviving detainees has resulted in extensive joy. In Gaza and the West Bank, festivities have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian detainees begin their release – though anguish remains due to ambiguity about who is being freed and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, civilians can at last return to sift through wreckage for the remains of an believed 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Earlier Odds

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But 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 prestigious peace summit of over 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is set to advance at a conference in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, did make this deal come to fruition – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Past Precedents

Hopes that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, given historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has produced. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in the presidential proposal contradicts vainglorious allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

The US president could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the hostage release, ceasefire and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s dignity after purported treachery by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having attempted a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to aid delivery and ultimate political talks.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that refuses one side genuine autonomy cannot yield sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not yet policy development. Without processes securing Palestinian participation and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need humanitarian aid – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the initial concern. But rebuilding cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help repairing homes, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship and other institutions shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, monetary resources must arrive promptly and security gaps be addressed.

Like a large portion of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a recommended “board of peace” are disturbingly unclear.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Substantial global backing for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most encouraging scenario. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more urgent than ever. But while the truce, the return of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as favorable developments, the president's track record offers minimal cause to believe he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to endeavor. Short-term relief does not imply that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.