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T respite brought by the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. In Israel, the release of captives held alive has led to widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, festivities are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates begin their release – even as concern persists due to doubt about the identities of those released and their destinations. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can at last return to search the debris for the remains of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet 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 joined a prestigious diplomatic gathering of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace launched at that summit is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Qualified by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to self-rule for Palestinians and threatens dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the utter devastation this war has produced. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not resist sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a period of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and restart of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he alone reinstated Israel’s dignity after supposed betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration previously having attempted a analogous arrangement: a truce connected with humanitarian access and ultimate negotiations.

Meaningful Agency Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A plan that denies one side substantive control cannot produce sustainable agreement. The truce and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not yet diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian engagement and authority over their own establishments, any deal threatens cementing domination under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But rebuilding cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need support reconstructing homes, learning institutions, hospitals, religious buildings and other institutions devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, funding must flow quickly and protection voids be filled.

Comparable with a great deal of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a proposed “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Future Prospects

Substantial worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to succeed Hamas, is probably the most encouraging scenario. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the humanitarian imperative for a resolution to the conflict is possibly more pressing than ever. But although the truce, the repatriation of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as constructive moves, Donald Trump's history provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to try. Temporary ease should not be interpreted as that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.