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The relief brought by the halt in hostilities in Gaza is profound. Across Israel, the liberation of surviving detainees has led to extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, jubilations are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates start to be released – though concern remains due to doubt about the identities of those released and their destinations. In northern Gaza, people can now return to dig through rubble for the remains of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Truce Development Despite Prior Uncertainty

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet 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-powered diplomatic gathering 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 meeting in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, managed to secure this deal come to fruition – despite, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of previous instances, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers splitting, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The omission of any timeframe for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative gives the lie to vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

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

In a moment of ease – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he solely restored Israel’s honor after purported disloyalty by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration twelve months prior having attempted a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities tied to humanitarian access and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side substantive control cannot produce legitimate peace. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is not currently policy development. Without systems ensuring Palestinian involvement and command over their own institutions, any deal threatens cementing subjugation under the discourse of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But rebuilding should not be postponed. Among 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need assistance reconstructing dwellings, learning institutions, medical centers, places of worship and other organizations devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, monetary resources must arrive promptly and security gaps be addressed.

Like much of Donald Trump's diplomatic proposal, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Strong international support for the Gaza's governing body, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful possibility. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a resolution to the conflict is possibly more pressing than ever. But while the ceasefire, the return of the captives and commitment by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, the president's track record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to endeavor. Immediate respite does not imply that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been advanced.