Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza is far from perfect, but it offers Gazans respite from the unending violence unleashed by Israel since 2023, and a start towards building the foundations of lasting peace. Yet, much could still go wrong.

To begin with, all principal actors must agree to the Trump deal. Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted it, though he continues to oppose Palestinian statehood and has said that Israeli military forces would remain stationed in most of Gaza. Israel's far-right coalition partners remain opposed. Palestinian Authority (PA) has called the US president's efforts 'sincere and determined'. But Hamas is yet to issue an official response. If the group is genuinely committed to a better future for Palestinians, it should take the deal within the Trump-set deadline.

The peace plan, however, is vague on many fronts. It offers no clarity on the role of Arab and Muslim states in the redevelopment of Gaza, the training of a police force, or even the oversight of a 'temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee', nor does it define how PA will be reformed. It recognises the 'aspirations of the Palestinian people' for statehood but is vague about whether the two-state solution is the intended goal.

Many countries, including India, have welcomed the plan - not because it is perfect, or because it fulfils Palestinians' right to self-determination and a country of their own, but because it could finally open the gates for urgently needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Once the guns fall silent, it will be up to countries outside the region - such as India, France and Australia - and regional players like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to keep the focus firmly on securing lasting peace for all.