🔗 Share this article

The relief following the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. Across Israel, the release of the living hostages has sparked extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates are being freed – though distress persists due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and their destinations. Across northern Gaza, residents can finally reenter dig through rubble for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Despite Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire looked improbable. However it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered peace summit of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is due to be continued at a conference in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal come to fruition – regardless of, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Tempered by Past Precedents

Expectations that the deal marks the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, given historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and threatens separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has produced. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative contradicts boastful references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

Donald Trump was unable to refrain from polarising and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he alone restored Israel’s honor after alleged disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having tried a analogous arrangement: a truce linked to humanitarian access and eventual political talks.

Substantive Control Vital for Legitimate Peace

A plan that refuses one side genuine autonomy cannot produce authentic resolution. The ceasefire and humanitarian convoys are to be embraced. But this is not yet diplomatic advancement. Without processes ensuring Palestinian engagement and command over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating subjugation under the discourse of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But reconstruction cannot wait. Among 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need support repairing dwellings, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, mosques and other organizations devastated by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s transitional administration to prosper, financial support must flow quickly and protection voids be remedied.

Comparable with a large portion of Mr Trump’s diplomatic proposal, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a suggested “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian Authority, permitting it to replace Hamas, is likely the most encouraging prospect. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is possibly more urgent than ever. But although the truce, the repatriation of the detainees and pledge by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Donald Trump's history provides scant basis to have faith he will accomplish – or deem himself compelled to try. Temporary ease does not imply that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.