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The relief brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of captives held alive has resulted in widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations have commenced as as many as 2,000 Palestinian detainees begin their release – even as anguish persists due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, civilians can finally reenter dig through rubble for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Earlier Odds

Just three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered diplomatic gathering of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative initiated there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Previous Experiences

Aspirations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, given previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to independence for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has produced. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative undermines boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump was unable to refrain from sowing division and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a period of ease – with the liberation of detainees, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he exclusively restored Israel’s honor after supposed treachery by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having tried a similar deal: a ceasefire linked to relief entry and future negotiations.

Substantive Control Vital for Authentic Resolution

A plan that withholds one side genuine autonomy cannot yield legitimate peace. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be applauded. But this is not yet political progress. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian engagement and control over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people urgently require emergency support – and nutrition and medication must be the primary focus. But rebuilding must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help repairing residences, educational facilities, medical centers, mosques and other organizations shattered by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to prosper, financial support must arrive promptly and safety deficiencies be filled.

Similar to a great deal of Donald Trump's peace plan, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Substantial international support for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is likely the most promising possibility. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the humanitarian imperative for a resolution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the repatriation of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s record gives little reason to have faith he will accomplish – or feel bound to attempt. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.