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The relief brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the liberation of the living hostages has sparked broad celebration. Throughout Gaza and the West Bank, festivities have commenced as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners start to be released – even as anguish persists due to doubt about who is being freed and their eventual placements. In northern Gaza, people can now return to dig through rubble for the bodies of an estimated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Despite Prior Uncertainty

As recently as three weeks ago, the chance of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. However it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-powered peace summit of over 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is set to advance at a meeting in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Aspirations that the deal marks the first step toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, considering previous instances, slightly idealistic. It provides no definite route to sovereignty for Palestinians and risks separating, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has caused. The absence of any timeframe for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to self-aggrandizing references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”.

The US president could not resist polarising and personalising the deal in his speech.

In a period of ease – with the liberation of detainees, truce and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a ethical drama in which he exclusively restored Israel’s honor after alleged betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration a year ago having undertaken a similar deal: a cessation of hostilities linked to relief entry and ultimate negotiations.

Meaningful Agency Crucial for Authentic Resolution

A proposal that denies one side substantive control cannot produce sustainable agreement. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is still not policy development. Without processes guaranteeing Palestinian involvement and authority over their own establishments, any deal endangers perpetuating domination under the rhetoric of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people urgently require emergency support – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But reconstruction must not be delayed. Among 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need assistance reconstructing dwellings, schools, healthcare facilities, religious buildings and other organizations destroyed by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to prosper, financial support must flow quickly and security gaps be addressed.

Like a large portion of Mr Trump’s peace plan, references to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “board of peace” are alarmingly vague.

Global Backing and Prospective Outcomes

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to replace Hamas, is perhaps the most promising possibility. The tremendous pain of the past two years means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is potentially more critical than ever. But even as the truce, the repatriation of the detainees and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be acknowledged as positive steps, Donald Trump's history provides scant basis to believe he will accomplish – or consider himself obligated to endeavor. Short-term relief does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been advanced.