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The relief brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the release of surviving detainees has sparked broad celebration. In Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as anguish persists due to uncertainty about who is being freed and their destinations. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now go back to search the debris for the remains of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Previous Doubts

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire looked improbable. But it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump departed 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 plan for peace begun there is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Historical Realities

Hopes that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, considering previous instances, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war has produced. The lack of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “era of prosperity”.

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

In a period of ease – with the hostage release, ceasefire and renewal of aid – he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s dignity after purported betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration twelve months prior having undertaken a similar deal: a truce connected with aid delivery and ultimate negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side substantive control cannot yield legitimate peace. The ceasefire and humanitarian convoys are to be applauded. But this is still not policy development. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian engagement and command over their own establishments, any deal endangers cementing oppression under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But restoration cannot wait. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help restoring homes, schools, hospitals, religious buildings and other establishments shattered by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to succeed, funding must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be addressed.

Like much of Mr Trump’s peace plan, allusions to an global peacekeeping unit and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most promising possibility. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the moral case for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s track record offers minimal cause to trust he will accomplish – or feel bound to endeavor. Short-term relief does not imply that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been advanced.