🔗 Share this article

The reprieve following the end of fighting in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the release of surviving detainees has sparked extensive joy. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, festivities are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian inmates are being freed – although concern lingers due to ambiguity about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, residents can now go back to dig through rubble for the remnants of an estimated 10,000 missing people.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Prior Uncertainty

Just three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace launched at that summit is due to be continued at a meeting in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, successfully brokered this deal come to fruition – contrary to, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Previous Experiences

Hopes that the deal signifies the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the utter devastation this war has caused. The absence of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan undermines vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

The American leader could not help himself polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of relief – with the freeing of captives, ceasefire and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s dignity after supposed disloyalty by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration previously having undertaken a similar deal: a ceasefire tied to aid delivery and future diplomatic discussions.

Genuine Autonomy Vital for Legitimate Peace

A proposal that withholds one side meaningful agency cannot produce authentic resolution. The truce and aid trucks are to be embraced. But this is not currently policy development. Without mechanisms securing Palestinian participation and control over their own institutions, any deal endangers perpetuating subjugation under the language of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need humanitarian aid – and nutrition and medication must be the first priority. But restoration should not be postponed. Within 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need assistance reconstructing residences, educational facilities, hospitals, religious buildings and other institutions devastated by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, monetary resources must be disbursed rapidly and safety deficiencies be remedied.

Like a great deal of Donald Trump's resolution initiative, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “board of peace” are worryingly ambiguous.

Worldwide Endorsement and Prospective Outcomes

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to succeed Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful prospect. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is arguably more pressing than ever. But although the ceasefire, the return of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Mr Trump’s history provides scant basis to believe he will fulfill – or consider himself obligated to attempt. Short-term relief does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.