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T relief resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of captives held alive has led to widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – although concern lingers due to uncertainty about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, people can at last reenter sift through wreckage for the remains of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Contrary to Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. But it has taken effect, 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 high-powered peace summit of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative launched at that summit is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, successfully brokered this deal happen – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal marks the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, considering historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to independence for Palestinians and threatens dividing, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has caused. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative contradicts vainglorious allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “golden age”.

Donald Trump could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a period of relief – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and restart of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he solely restored Israel’s prestige after supposed disloyalty by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a comparable agreement: a truce connected with aid delivery and eventual political talks.

Substantive Control Crucial for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that denies one side substantive control cannot produce sustainable agreement. The halt in hostilities and relief shipments are to be welcomed. But this is not currently policy development. Without systems securing Palestinian participation and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers cementing domination under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and nutrition and medication must be the initial concern. But restoration should not be postponed. Within 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help repairing dwellings, educational facilities, medical centers, mosques and other institutions shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s interim government to prosper, monetary resources must arrive promptly and protection voids be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of the president's diplomatic proposal, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Potential Developments

Robust global backing for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most encouraging possibility. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the return of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Donald Trump's track record gives little reason to believe he will accomplish – or deem himself compelled to try. Temporary ease does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been advanced.