The Guardian view on peace in Gaza: the relief is real, but Trump's promise of a golden age' rings hollow | Editorial

"The reprieve brought by the end of fighting in Gaza is immense. In Israel, the release of the living hostages has led to widespread elation. In Gaza and the West Bank there are also celebrations, as up to 2,000 Palestinian detainees start to be released though there is distress, too, due to uncertainty about who is being freed and where they will be sent. In northern Gaza, people can finally return to dig through rubble for the remains of an estimated 10,000 missing people."

"As recently as three weeks ago, the likelihood of a ceasefire appeared remote. But it has taken effect, and on Monday Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem, where he was cheered in the Knesset, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. There, he joined a high-powered peace summit of more than 20 world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer. The plan for peace begun there is due to be continued at a conference in the UK."

"The US president could not help himself polarising and personalising the deal in his speech. In a moment of relief with the hostage release, ceasefire and resumption of aid he chose to recast it as a morality play in which he alone restored Israel's honour after supposed betrayal by former US presidents Obama and Biden. This despite the Biden administration a year ago having attempted a similar deal: a ceasefire tied to humanitarian access"

A ceasefire took effect, ending fighting in Gaza and producing widespread relief. Living hostages were released, prompting elation in Israel, while up to 2,000 Palestinian detainees began to be freed amid uncertainty and distress over destinations. Residents of northern Gaza could return to search rubble for the remains of an estimated 10,000 missing people. Donald Trump travelled from Jerusalem to Sharm el-Sheikh to join a summit of more than 20 world leaders, with plans continued at a UK conference. The deal was achieved with international partners despite Israeli leadership. The plan offers no clear path or timeline for Palestinian sovereignty and risks splitting Gaza from the West Bank, while leaving immense devastation behind.

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