A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that a majority of Americans, 59%, believe the United States should recognize Palestinian statehood, a stance that places public opinion at odds with the current administration . The survey found this view is shared by 80% of Democrats and a significant 41% of Republicans, despite 53% of Republicans opposing the move. This growing public sentiment aligns with a wave of recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by key U.S. allies, including Britain, Canada, France, and Australia.
The poll indicates the American public is willing to credit President Donald Trump for his administration's diplomatic efforts in Gaza. Overall, 51% of respondents believe Trump "deserves significant credit" for brokering the ceasefire, a view that crosses partisan lines, with one in four Democrats agreeing despite their general disapproval of the president . This comes as Trump's approval rating on foreign policy has seen a modest increase to 38%, its highest since July, following the announcement of the truce .
As the ceasefire holds, Palestinian factions have unanimously rejected foreign guardianship over Gaza. In a joint statement, groups including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine declared that the future administration of Gaza is "an internal Palestinian matter" . Meanwhile, the Palestinian government has unveiled an ambitious $67 billion, five-year recovery and reconstruction plan for the war-ravaged territory . Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has stressed that the Palestinian Authority intends to govern Gaza and rejected any external conditions regarding its administration.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, based on President Trump's 20-point plan, has proven resilient despite violent incidents. Following a recent exchange of fire that killed two Israeli soldiers and dozens of Palestinians, both sides have returned to observing the truce . U.S. Vice-President JD Vance stated that the agreement's implementation is "going better than expected," while also warning that "if Hamas does not co-operate, it will be obliterated" . Key issues, such as the disarmament of Hamas and the territory's future governance, remain unresolved and are the subject of ongoing international mediation.
The road to a lasting peace remains uncertain. The first phase of the agreement has seen the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as a significant increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza . However, the second phase, which involves establishing an interim government, deploying an international force, and securing the full withdrawal of Israeli troops has yet to be negotiated. The success of this next stage will be the true test for whether the current ceasefire can evolve into a durable peace.