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T respite resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. In Israel, the release of captives held alive has resulted in extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are also underway as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates begin their release – although anguish persists due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Across northern Gaza, people can finally return to sift through wreckage for the bodies of an believed 10,000 missing people.

Peace Breakthrough Against Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However 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 participated in a prestigious peace summit of in excess of 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap launched at that summit is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, successfully brokered this deal take place – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Qualified by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, considering historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative contradicts self-aggrandizing allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The American leader could not help himself dividing and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the hostage release, ceasefire and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a ethical drama in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s honor after purported disloyalty by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having tried a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities tied to humanitarian access and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A initiative that withholds one side meaningful agency cannot produce legitimate peace. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is not currently policy development. Without processes ensuring Palestinian participation and control over their own organizations, any deal threatens perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But restoration must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need help reconstructing dwellings, schools, healthcare facilities, religious buildings and other establishments devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must flow quickly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Similar to a great deal of Mr Trump’s peace plan, references to an multinational security contingent and a recommended “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Potential Developments

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to replace Hamas, is probably the most encouraging prospect. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the moral case for a settlement to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But although the ceasefire, the repatriation of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s record offers minimal cause to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to endeavor. Immediate respite does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.