🔗 Share this article Gaza Ceasefire Provides Substantial Ease, But Trump's Assurance of a Era of Prosperity Seems Empty T respite resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. Within Israeli borders, the freeing of captives held alive has led to widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, celebrations are taking place as approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are being freed – even as distress remains due to ambiguity about who is being freed and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now reenter sift through wreckage for the remains of an approximated 10,000 missing people. Ceasefire Emergence Against Prior Uncertainty Only three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. Yet it has come into force, and on Monday Donald Trump journeyed from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he participated in a high-level peace conference of more than 20 world leaders, among them Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace initiated there is due to be continued at a meeting in the UK. The US president, acting with international partners, did make this deal happen – despite, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestinian Statehood Hopes Qualified by Historical Realities Hopes that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, in light of previous instances, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to independence for Palestinians and risks splitting, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the complete destruction this war has caused. The omission of any timeline for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan undermines boastful allusions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age”. Donald Trump was unable to refrain from polarising and individualizing the deal in his speech. In a time of ease – with the freeing of captives, halt in fighting and resumption of aid – he chose to recast it as a ethical drama in which he solely reclaimed Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having undertaken a similar deal: a ceasefire connected with aid delivery and ultimate diplomatic discussions. Genuine Autonomy Vital for Authentic Resolution A proposal that refuses one side genuine autonomy cannot yield legitimate peace. The ceasefire and relief shipments are to be embraced. But this is not yet diplomatic advancement. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian engagement and authority over their own institutions, any deal risks perpetuating oppression under the rhetoric of peace. Humanitarian Priorities and Recovery Hurdles Gaza’s people desperately need emergency support – and food and medicines must be the primary focus. But restoration should not be postponed. Amid 60 million tonnes of wreckage, Palestinians need help repairing residences, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, religious buildings and other organizations shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, monetary resources must flow quickly and safety deficiencies be filled. Similar to much of Donald Trump's resolution initiative, mentions to an global peacekeeping unit and a suggested “peace council” are worryingly ambiguous. International Support and Potential Developments Substantial global backing for the Gaza's governing body, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful possibility. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the moral case for a resolution to the conflict is arguably more critical than ever. But although the truce, the homecoming of the detainees and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, Mr Trump’s history offers minimal cause to believe he will fulfill – or feel bound to attempt. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the likelihood of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.