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T respite brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the release of surviving detainees has sparked broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – though anguish remains due to uncertainty about who is being freed and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, civilians can finally reenter sift through wreckage for the remains of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Earlier Odds

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. However it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered peace conference of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap launched at that summit is due to be continued at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – despite, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Qualified by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal marks the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, given previous instances, slightly idealistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and risks separating, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war has caused. The omission of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in Mr Trump’s plan undermines vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

The US president could not help himself sowing division and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a moment of relief – with the hostage release, truce and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a lesson in ethics in which he alone restored Israel’s honor after supposed disloyalty by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration twelve months prior having attempted a comparable agreement: a ceasefire tied to aid delivery and eventual political talks.

Meaningful Agency Essential for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that refuses one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering authentic resolution. The truce and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is still not diplomatic advancement. Without processes securing Palestinian involvement and command over their own organizations, any deal endangers perpetuating domination under the language of peace.

Aid Necessities and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But rebuilding must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need support restoring homes, schools, medical centers, religious buildings and other institutions destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to thrive, funding must flow quickly and protection voids be filled.

Like a large portion of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a recommended “diplomatic committee” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Prospective Outcomes

Robust international support for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is probably the most promising prospect. The enormous suffering of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as constructive moves, the president's track record gives little reason to trust he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to try. Immediate respite should not be interpreted as that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.