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

The reprieve resulting from the end of fighting in Gaza is substantial. Within Israeli borders, the release of the living hostages has sparked widespread elation. Across Palestinian territories, jubilations have commenced as up to 2,000 Palestinian inmates are being freed – even as concern persists due to doubt about who is being freed and where they will be sent. Throughout Gaza's northern regions, people can finally return to dig through rubble for the remnants of an believed 10,000 unaccounted-for individuals.

Peace Breakthrough Contrary to Previous Doubts

As recently as three weeks ago, the probability of a ceasefire appeared remote. However 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 participated in a prestigious peace summit of more than 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, acting with international partners, successfully brokered this deal take place – despite, not owing to, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Palestinian Statehood Hopes Qualified by Historical Realities

Expectations that the deal signifies the opening phase toward Palestinian statehood are reasonable – but, considering historical precedent, somewhat optimistic. It lacks a transparent trajectory to self-rule for Palestinians and risks separating, for the immediate period, Gaza from the West Bank. Then there is the total ruin this war has produced. The lack of any schedule for Palestinian autonomy in the US initiative contradicts vainglorious mentions, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “era of prosperity”.

The US president could not help himself 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 decided to reinterpret it as a morality play in which he exclusively restored Israel’s prestige after supposed betrayal by previous American leaders Obama and Biden. This even as the Biden administration previously having attempted a similar deal: a truce tied to humanitarian access and ultimate diplomatic discussions.

Meaningful Agency Vital for Authentic Resolution

A initiative that denies one side substantive control cannot yield legitimate peace. The ceasefire and aid trucks are to be welcomed. But this is not currently diplomatic advancement. Without systems guaranteeing Palestinian participation and authority over their own organizations, any deal endangers freezing subjugation under the language of peace.

Relief Imperatives and Rebuilding Obstacles

Gaza’s people crucially depend on humanitarian aid – and food and medicines must be the first priority. But restoration must not be delayed. Amid 60 million tonnes of rubble, Palestinians need help reconstructing homes, schools, medical centers, places of worship and other establishments destroyed by Israel’s invasion. For Gaza’s provisional leadership to succeed, funding must arrive promptly and protection voids be filled.

Comparable with a great deal of Mr Trump’s diplomatic proposal, mentions to an multinational security contingent and a proposed “diplomatic committee” are alarmingly vague.

International Support and Future Prospects

Substantial global backing for the Palestinian Authority, allowing it to take over from Hamas, is perhaps the most hopeful prospect. The enormous suffering of the recent period means the humanitarian imperative for a solution to the conflict is arguably more pressing than ever. But although the halt in fighting, the homecoming of the hostages and pledge by Hamas to “disarm” Gaza should be accepted as positive steps, the president's track record provides scant basis to trust he will fulfill – or deem himself compelled to try. Immediate respite does not mean that the prospect of a Palestinian state has been advanced.