End of Gaza Conflict Provides Substantial Ease, However the US President's Assurance of a Era of Prosperity Seems Empty

The reprieve resulting from the ceasefire in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the release of captives held alive has resulted in widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations are also underway as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – though anguish persists due to uncertainty about who is being freed and their destinations. Across northern Gaza, residents can at last reenter dig through rubble for the bodies of an approximated 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Ceasefire Emergence Against Earlier Odds

Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. Yet it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was applauded in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a prestigious diplomatic gathering of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The peace initiative begun there is scheduled to proceed at a meeting in the UK. The US president, cooperating with international partners, did make this deal take place – despite, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Qualified by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal represents the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are comprehensible – but, in light of historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It offers no clear path to independence for Palestinians and risks dividing, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Furthermore the total ruin this war leaves behind. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian self-governance in Mr Trump’s plan undermines self-aggrandizing mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “monumental start” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump could not resist sowing division and individualizing the deal in his speech.

In a time of respite – with the freeing of captives, ceasefire and renewal of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he solely reinstated Israel’s honor after alleged treachery by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having undertaken a analogous arrangement: a ceasefire tied to relief entry and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Substantive Control Vital for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that withholds one side meaningful agency is incapable of delivering sustainable agreement. The truce and humanitarian convoys are to be applauded. But this is still not political progress. Without systems ensuring Palestinian engagement and command over their own institutions, any deal endangers perpetuating oppression under the rhetoric of peace.

Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and sustenance and pharmaceuticals must be the first priority. But restoration must not be delayed. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help reconstructing homes, educational facilities, medical centers, mosques and other institutions shattered by Israel’s incursion. For Gaza’s transitional administration to thrive, funding must be disbursed rapidly and security gaps be addressed.

Similar to much of Mr Trump’s resolution initiative, mentions to an international stabilisation force and a suggested “peace council” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Potential Developments

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian leadership, allowing it to replace Hamas, is probably the most encouraging possibility. The enormous suffering of the past two years means the ethical argument for a solution to the conflict is possibly more critical than ever. But while the ceasefire, the homecoming of the hostages and commitment by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as constructive moves, Donald Trump's track record provides scant basis to have faith he will deliver – or deem himself compelled to attempt. Immediate respite does not mean that the possibility of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.