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The respite resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the release of surviving detainees has led to extensive joy. Across Palestinian territories, festivities have commenced as as many as 2,000 Palestinian detainees are being freed – although concern lingers due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, people can now go back to dig through rubble for the remnants of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap begun there is due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Moderated by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given historical precedent, rather hopeful. It lacks a transparent trajectory to sovereignty for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has caused. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in the presidential proposal contradicts self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump could not resist sowing division and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he solely reinstated Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration previously having tried a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Substantive Control Essential for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that refuses one side meaningful agency cannot produce legitimate peace. The truce and aid trucks are to be embraced. But this is not yet political progress. Without systems securing Palestinian participation and authority over their own establishments, any deal threatens perpetuating oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on relief assistance – and food and medicines must be the initial concern. But rebuilding should not be postponed. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need assistance repairing homes, learning institutions, medical centers, places of worship and other organizations devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, monetary resources must flow quickly and security gaps be addressed.

Like a large portion of the president's diplomatic proposal, references to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is likely the most promising prospect. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But while the halt in fighting, the return of the detainees and vow by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Donald Trump's track record offers minimal cause to believe he will deliver – or consider himself obligated to try. Short-term relief does not imply that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.