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T reprieve resulting from the halt in hostilities in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the freeing of the living hostages has resulted in broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, festivities are taking place as as many as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – although anguish persists due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can now reenter dig through rubble for the bodies of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

Just three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a prestigious peace conference of over 20 world leaders, featuring Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace launched at that summit is due to be continued at a assembly in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, successfully brokered this deal happen – regardless of, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Past Precedents

Hopes that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering historical precedent, rather hopeful. It provides no definite route to independence for Palestinians and endangers separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the utter devastation this war has produced. The absence of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in the US initiative undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

The US president was unable to refrain from sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he solely reinstated Israel’s dignity after purported treachery by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having tried a comparable agreement: a truce linked to aid delivery and future political talks.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that withholds one side meaningful agency cannot produce legitimate peace. The halt in hostilities and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is still not political progress. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian involvement and authority over their own organizations, any deal threatens freezing oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Aid Necessities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the initial concern. But restoration should not be postponed. Amid 60 million tonnes of debris, Palestinians need support restoring dwellings, schools, medical centers, religious buildings and other institutions devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to prosper, financial support must arrive promptly and security gaps be filled.

Similar to a large portion of Donald Trump's diplomatic proposal, references to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

Worldwide Endorsement and Future Prospects

Substantial worldwide endorsement for the Palestinian leadership, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most encouraging scenario. The immense hardship of the past two years means the ethical argument for a settlement to the conflict is arguably more pressing than ever. But while the truce, the return of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as positive steps, Donald Trump's history gives little reason to have faith he will fulfill – or consider himself obligated to try. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been moved nearer.