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T reprieve brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. Across Israel, the freeing of surviving detainees has led to broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are taking place as as many as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as concern remains due to ambiguity about who is being freed and their eventual placements. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, civilians can at last return to dig through rubble for the remnants of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Truce Development Contrary to Previous Doubts

Only three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level diplomatic gathering of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap initiated there is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dreams of Independence Moderated by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, in light of previous instances, rather hopeful. It offers no clear path to independence for Palestinians and threatens splitting, for the foreseeable future, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the utter devastation this war leaves behind. The lack of any timeline for Palestinian autonomy in Mr Trump’s plan contradicts boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “era of prosperity”.

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

In a moment of relief – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and renewal of aid – he chose to recast it as a lesson in ethics in which he alone reinstated Israel’s honor after supposed disloyalty by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration twelve months prior having tried a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to humanitarian access and eventual negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Essential for Sustainable Agreement

A proposal that withholds one side genuine autonomy is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be applauded. But this is not yet diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms securing Palestinian involvement and control over their own establishments, any deal risks perpetuating oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But restoration cannot wait. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help restoring residences, schools, hospitals, places of worship and other institutions destroyed by Israel’s military operation. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, funding must arrive promptly and protection voids be remedied.

Comparable with a great deal of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, allusions to an multinational security contingent and a suggested “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Future Prospects

Strong worldwide endorsement for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to replace Hamas, is likely the most promising prospect. The tremendous pain of the previous 24 months means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is potentially more pressing than ever. But although the ceasefire, the return of the captives and vow by Hamas to “remove weapons from” Gaza should be accepted as favorable developments, Mr Trump’s record offers minimal cause to trust he will fulfill – or feel bound to endeavor. Temporary ease does not imply that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been advanced.