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The reprieve brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the release of surviving detainees has resulted in broad celebration. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations have commenced as approximately 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – though concern lingers due to doubt about the identities of those released and their eventual placements. Across northern Gaza, residents can now return to sift through wreckage for the bodies of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Peace Breakthrough Against Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level peace summit of over 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is scheduled to proceed at a conference in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Tempered by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal represents the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in the presidential proposal contradicts boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

The US president could not resist dividing and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of relief – with the hostage release, ceasefire and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a ethical drama in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s honor after alleged disloyalty by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and ultimate negotiations.

Substantive Control Crucial for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that refuses one side substantive control cannot produce authentic resolution. The truce and relief shipments are to be embraced. But this is not currently political progress. Without mechanisms securing Palestinian involvement and control over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Reconstruction Challenges

Gaza’s people urgently require emergency support – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But restoration cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need support restoring residences, schools, medical centers, mosques and other organizations devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s interim government to succeed, monetary resources must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Like a large portion of Mr Trump’s diplomatic proposal, allusions to an international stabilisation force and a suggested “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Future Prospects

Robust global backing for the Palestinian leadership, enabling it to replace Hamas, is probably the most promising scenario. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is possibly more urgent than ever. But although the truce, the return of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be acknowledged as favorable developments, Donald Trump's record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or feel bound to try. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.