China Facilitates Unity Deal Among Palestinian Factions

In a bid to foster unity among Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah have agreed to form an interim “national reconciliation government” for the West Bank and Gaza, facilitated by China. This agreement, announced by China’s foreign minister and Hamas officials, marks another attempt to bridge the long-standing divide between the two factions. Representatives from these groups, along with 12 other Palestinian factions, committed to working towards unity during three days of discussions in Beijing.

The declaration follows several previous reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, none of which have successfully resolved the deep-seated rift. Israel has already ruled out any role for Hamas or Fatah in governing Gaza after hostilities conclude. The division traces back to 2007 when Hamas ousted Fatah from Gaza, leading to a split after Hamas won national elections and President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the unity government.

Since the recent outbreak of conflict on October 7, Hamas has lost control in Gaza, following its attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. In retaliation, the Israeli offensive has led to over 39,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Hamas spokesman Hossam Badran described the declaration as a “positive step” toward Palestinian unity, emphasizing agreements on demands such as a ceasefire, withdrawal from Gaza, and reconstruction efforts. The declaration aims to form a consensus government to manage Gaza and the West Bank’s affairs and pave the way for elections. However, significant challenges remain to implement this agreement effectively.

While Fatah has not yet commented on the declaration, its representative Mahmoud al-Aloul expressed gratitude to China for supporting the Palestinian cause. In contrast, Israel dismissed the Beijing declaration. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Mahmoud Abbas for supporting Hamas, asserting that Hamas’s rule will be eliminated and that Israel will maintain its security independently.