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The respite brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is profound. In Israel, the freeing of surviving detainees has led to broad celebration. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees start to be released – although concern remains due to uncertainty about who is being freed and where they will be sent. Across northern Gaza, residents can now go back to dig through rubble for the remnants of an approximated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Despite Previous Doubts

Just three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire looked improbable. Yet 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 participated in a high-powered peace conference of in excess of 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is set to advance at a assembly in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, did make this deal happen – regardless of, not due to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Moderated by Past Precedents

Aspirations that the deal represents the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the near term, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the complete destruction this war leaves behind. The absence of any timeline for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “golden age”.

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

In a moment of respite – with the liberation of detainees, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he opted to reframe it as a ethical drama in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s honor after supposed betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having attempted a analogous arrangement: a cessation of hostilities linked to aid delivery and eventual negotiations.

Genuine Autonomy Crucial for Legitimate Peace

A plan that denies one side genuine autonomy cannot produce authentic resolution. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be welcomed. But this is not currently diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms ensuring Palestinian involvement and command over their own establishments, any deal threatens perpetuating domination under the discourse of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on emergency support – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But rebuilding must not be delayed. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help repairing residences, learning institutions, hospitals, religious buildings and other institutions shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to succeed, financial support must flow quickly and protection voids be addressed.

Similar to much of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, references to an global peacekeeping unit and a proposed “board of peace” are worryingly ambiguous.

International Support and Potential Developments

Robust global backing for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to replace Hamas, is probably the most promising scenario. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is arguably more urgent than ever. But even as the ceasefire, the homecoming of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, Mr Trump’s track record gives little reason to believe he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Temporary ease should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.