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The relief following the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the liberation of the living hostages has sparked extensive joy. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are taking place as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – although distress persists due to doubt about who is being freed and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can finally go back to search the debris for the remains of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Against Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level peace conference of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative launched at that summit is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – regardless of, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal marks the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of past occurrences, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and endangers separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war has caused. The lack of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in the presidential proposal undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

The US president was unable to refrain from polarising and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the freeing of captives, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he alone restored Israel’s dignity after alleged disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having undertaken a similar deal: a truce connected with relief entry and ultimate political talks.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side substantive control cannot yield legitimate peace. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be embraced. But this is not yet political progress. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian participation and control over their own establishments, any deal risks cementing domination under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on emergency support – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the initial concern. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need support repairing dwellings, learning institutions, medical centers, religious buildings and other institutions shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, financial support must flow quickly and protection voids be addressed.

Similar to a great deal of the president's peace plan, references to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “peace council” are worryingly ambiguous.

Worldwide Endorsement and Future Prospects

Substantial international support for the Palestinian leadership, permitting it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most hopeful possibility. The immense hardship of the previous 24 months means the moral case for a solution to the conflict is possibly more pressing than ever. But although the truce, the repatriation of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be acknowledged as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s history offers minimal cause to believe he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to try. Temporary ease does not mean that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.