In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Palestinian factions, including long-standing rivals Hamas and Fatah, have agreed to form a national unity government. This landmark deal, known as the Beijing Declaration, emerged from reconciliation talks held in China’s capital from July 21-23, 2024.
Ending Palestinian divisions
The agreement marks a crucial step towards ending nearly two decades of internal Palestinian divisions. Senior Hamas official Hussam Badran emphasized the formation of a unified government as the declaration’s cornerstone. This new administration aims to manage Palestinian affairs in both Gaza and the West Bank, oversee reconstruction efforts, and pave the way for future elections.
China’s role in facilitating this agreement underscores its growing influence in Middle East diplomacy. The success follows Beijing’s notable achievement in brokering a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s presence at the talks further highlights the importance China places on this diplomatic initiative.
Hamas praises China’s efforts
Badran praised China’s efforts, describing the agreement as “an additional positive step towards achieving Palestinian national unity” amid what he termed a “genocidal war” in Gaza. The timing of this unity pact is particularly significant given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
However, the agreement faces potential obstacles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to Hamas’s involvement in any post-war Gaza administration, maintaining his goal to dismantle the organization.
‘Beijing Declaration’ looks to end Hamas-Fatah split
The Beijing Declaration aims to overcome the bitter split between Hamas and Fatah that began in 2007 when Hamas took control of Gaza. Previous reconciliation attempts have failed, making this China-brokered agreement a potential turning point in Palestinian politics.
China’s engagement extends beyond this agreement, with officials calling for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and advocating for a specific timeline to implement a two-state solution. This proactive stance positions China as an emerging influential player in Middle East peace efforts.
With inputs from Reuters
