Hamas and Fatah Sign Unity Agreement in Beijing

BEIJING —Senior representatives from Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a landmark declaration in Beijing on Tuesday, aimed at ending a decades-long division and fostering Palestinian national unity amid ongoing conflict with Israel. The agreement, known as the "Beijing Declaration to End the Division and Strengthen Palestinian National Unity," was announced following three days of negotiations and hailed as a breakthrough by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who described it as “a historic moment for the cause of Palestine’s liberation.”

The eight-point declaration outlines the establishment of a temporary national unity government formed by agreement between the Palestinian factions. This government will oversee all Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, and will work towards unifying Palestinian institutions and preparing for general elections.

The agreement also emphasizes resistance against displacement attempts from Palestinian territories and rejects settlement expansion, aligning with U.N. resolutions and the International Court of Justice’s opinions.

China's involvement underscores its growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, positioning itself as a rival to the United States in global diplomacy. This development follows China's previous success in brokering an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations.

A Palestinian official highlighted that the true test of the declaration will be its implementation on the ground. Hamas spokesperson Hossam Badran praised the declaration as a positive step toward Palestinian unity and reiterated demands for a cease-fire, withdrawal from Gaza, and reconstruction efforts.

The U.S. has proposed a plan for a permanent cease-fire, hostage release, and post-war reconstruction, envisioning a revamped Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. However, this plan has been rejected by Israel, which has yet to offer a credible alternative for Gaza's governance.

China is not directly involved in U.S.-led cease-fire efforts but aims to play a significant role in post-war reconstruction and has expressed a desire to host an international peace conference. The successful mediation of the Palestinian factions would mark a significant diplomatic achievement for China.

The division between Hamas and Fatah, exacerbated by Hamas’ 2007 takeover of Gaza, has hindered attempts at reconciliation. The agreement is seen as a crucial step towards resolving this longstanding rift and may enable Hamas to integrate into a unified Palestinian governance structure under the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

China’s strategic interest in international diplomacy is evident, as it seeks to be a key player in ending the conflict and participating prominently in future diplomatic initiatives.