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T relief following the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the release of surviving detainees has sparked broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian inmates begin their release – though concern lingers due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and their destinations. In northern Gaza, residents can now return to search the debris for the remnants of an believed 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Previous Doubts

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire looked improbable. But it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is set to advance at a meeting in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal take place – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Tempered by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to independence for Palestinians and threatens dividing, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the utter devastation this war has produced. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan undermines vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump could not help himself dividing and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a lesson in ethics in which he solely restored Israel’s honor after purported disloyalty by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having tried a analogous arrangement: a ceasefire linked to aid delivery and future diplomatic discussions.

Substantive Control Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A initiative that withholds one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and humanitarian convoys are to be welcomed. But this is not yet policy development. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian involvement and control over their own establishments, any deal threatens cementing domination under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But restoration should not be postponed. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need support restoring homes, learning institutions, hospitals, religious buildings and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to succeed, monetary resources must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Similar to much of the president's resolution initiative, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Future Prospects

Substantial international support for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to replace Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful possibility. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But although the truce, the homecoming of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s track record offers minimal cause to trust he will deliver – or feel bound to endeavor. Immediate respite does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.