Truce in Gaza Offers Substantial Ease, However Trump's Pledge of a Era of Prosperity Appears Meaningless

The reprieve brought by the ceasefire in Gaza is substantial. Across Israel, the release of captives held alive has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, festivities are also underway as as many as 2,000 Palestinian prisoners begin their release – although concern remains due to doubt about the identities of those released and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, residents can now reenter sift through wreckage for the remains of an estimated 10,000 those who have disappeared.

Ceasefire Emergence Contrary to Prior Uncertainty

Just three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire seemed unlikely. But it has been implemented, and on Monday Donald Trump departed Jerusalem, where he was hailed in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he attended a high-level diplomatic gathering of over 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The diplomatic roadmap launched at that summit is set to advance at a conference in the UK. The US president, working alongside international partners, managed to secure this deal take place – contrary to, not because of, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aspirations for Sovereignty Tempered by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal marks the initial move toward Palestinian statehood are understandable – but, considering previous instances, slightly idealistic. It provides no definite route to self-rule for Palestinians and endangers dividing, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Additionally the total ruin this war leaves behind. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in Mr Trump’s plan undermines boastful mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “epochal beginning” of a “age of abundance”.

Donald Trump was unable to refrain from dividing and making personal the deal in his speech.

In a period of respite – with the freeing of captives, ceasefire and restart of aid – he opted to reframe it as a morality play in which he exclusively reclaimed Israel’s honor after supposed betrayal by past US commanders-in-chief Obama and Biden. Notwithstanding the Biden administration a year ago having undertaken a comparable agreement: a cessation of hostilities connected with aid delivery and eventual negotiations.

Substantive Control Essential for Legitimate Peace

A initiative that withholds one side genuine autonomy cannot yield sustainable agreement. The halt in hostilities and aid trucks are to be applauded. But this is still not policy development. Without mechanisms guaranteeing Palestinian participation and control over their own organizations, any deal threatens perpetuating domination under the discourse of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Recovery Hurdles

Gaza’s people desperately need relief assistance – and nutrition and medication must be the first priority. But reconstruction cannot wait. Among 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need assistance reconstructing residences, educational facilities, hospitals, mosques and other institutions shattered by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s interim government to thrive, monetary resources must flow quickly and security gaps be filled.

Comparable with much of Mr Trump’s peace plan, allusions to an global peacekeeping unit and a suggested “peace council” are disturbingly unclear.

International Support and Potential Developments

Substantial international support for the Palestinian Authority, enabling it to succeed Hamas, is likely the most promising prospect. The immense hardship of the recent period means the moral case for a solution to the conflict is potentially more urgent than ever. But while the ceasefire, the return of the captives and pledge by Hamas to “demilitarise” Gaza should be recognized as positive steps, the president's track record provides scant basis to believe he will accomplish – or consider himself obligated to attempt. Short-term relief should not be interpreted as that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been brought closer.