In a recent development, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have agreed to form a united government, a decision that emerged from discussions held in Beijing.
This move is seen as the latest effort to resolve the longstanding rivalry between the two factions and could potentially shape the governance of Gaza post the conflict with Israel.
As reported by The Independent, similar declarations in the past have not been successful, casting a shadow of doubt over the effectiveness of this China-brokered agreement. The deal aims to reconcile the differences between Hamas, which has been in control of the Gaza Strip for the past 17 years, and Fatah, the dominant force in the US-supported Palestinian Authority that administers parts of the occupied West Bank.
Both factions have acknowledged that this agreement, which does not offer any guarantees, is merely an initial step. They have committed to building upon previous reconciliation agreements signed in 2011 and 2022. However, Israel was quick to condemn the pact. The US and other Western nations have consistently refused to recognize any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless it acknowledges Israel, a condition that has thwarted previous attempts at reconciliation.
Hani Al-Masri, an expert on Palestinian reconciliation affairs, commented on the situation, stating, "There is an opportunity but it is not big, because it lacks a specific timetable for implementation."
This announcement comes at a critical juncture, with the war in Gaza entering its tenth month. Israel and Hamas are currently considering an internationally supported ceasefire proposal that would end the war and secure the release of several Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The discussions were spearheaded by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. He stated, "The core outcome is that the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) is the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people." The PLO, an internationally recognized coalition of parties that signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1993, holds a permanent observer seat at the United Nations. Fatah has a significant presence in both the PLO and the Palestinian Authority.
The role that Hamas would play under the new agreement remains unclear, given its current non-involvement with the PLO and its historical animosity with Fatah. During the talks in Beijing, Hamas representative Moussa Abu Marzouk spoke about the deadly 7 October terrorist attack on Israel, stating that their actions changed a lot, both in international and regional landscape. He added, "Our people are rising up in their efforts to struggle."
Mr. Wang highlighted the agreement to form an "interim national reconciliation government" for post-war Gaza as the most significant outcome of the talks. He expressed China's eagerness to "play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East."
China, which has criticized the Benjamin Netanyahu government for its attacks on the Gaza Strip, has positioned itself as a peacemaker. It has advocated for Palestinian statehood without explicitly condemning Hamas for the attack. In May, President Xi Jinping expressed his concern over the "tremendous sufferings" in Gaza and called for an end to Israel's war in the region.
The Chinese government has also supported the Palestinian cause by providing emergency humanitarian assistance during the crisis and for post-war reconstruction in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that a deal to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza could be imminent. He told the families of the hostages, "The conditions are undoubtedly ripening. This is a good sign." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also assured that negotiators were "driving toward the goal line."
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