Giant letters spelling out "Thank you" were etched into the beach in Tel Aviv this week, aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump as he arrived in Israel. Crowds gathered in a square, chanting, "Thank you, President Trump," including families of hostages and members of the Israeli government. However, questions arise about the timing of the hostages' return. Why are they only coming home now, when a ceasefire brokered by Trump at the beginning of the year had already facilitated the release of many hostages?

The ceasefire coincided with Trump's inauguration in January, but six weeks later, the U.S. administration returned control to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Instead of focusing on the end of the conflict and the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, Israel broke the ceasefire agreement in March, blocking aid and launching new offensives against Hamas, vowing "total victory."

As a result, the situation remains largely unchanged from late February, when the remaining hostages could have been freed. Since then, approximately 13,000 Gazans have died, with many more casualties likely as bodies are recovered. Israel's blockade of aid has led to famine conditions in parts of Gaza, and hostages have endured an additional seven months in harsh conditions. The destruction in Gaza has escalated, and international condemnation of Israel's actions has grown.

While Israel retains troops in Gaza, key issues such as disarmament, security, and governance remain unresolved. Hamas, weakened and desperate, has lost many of its leaders, except for Mohammad Sinwar. Even Arab and Muslim nations, including Türkiye and Qatar, have agreed that Hamas must disarm and not participate in future governance of Palestine. Many Western countries, including Australia, have recognized the State of Palestine and affirmed the Palestinians' right to self-determination.

The question remains: were the additional deaths and destruction worth these developments? Hamas continues to refuse disarmament and maintains control over significant areas of Gaza. Although the U.S. claims the war is over, Israel's defense minister has indicated plans for further attacks on Hamas, and military actions continue in Gaza.

There is a notable lack of clarity regarding future steps, with mediators and U.S. officials only providing vague statements. While the intensity of violence has decreased, it has not ended. It is crucial that the killing in Gaza has diminished, that aid is finally allowed to enter, and that some Palestinians who were detained without evidence have been released. However, similar outcomes were achieved in February.

Critics question why the U.S. administration, which is a primary supporter of Israel, allowed these issues to persist. In November 2023, President Joe Biden's administration facilitated the release of 105 hostages, surpassing the number released during the two subsequent ceasefires under Trump. Biden has faced criticism, being labeled "Genocide Joe," while Trump is referred to as the "peace president."

If Trump succeeds in ending the war, deploying a multinational security force, reconstructing Gaza, resolving Palestinian statehood, and achieving a lasting regional agreement, then gratitude may be warranted.