Palestinian factions, including rivals Hamas and Fatah, have reached an agreement to end their divisions and establish an interim national unity government. The Beijing Declaration was signed at the conclusion of a reconciliation dialogue among 14 Palestinian factions held in China's capital from July 21-23.
Efforts by Egypt and other Arab countries in the past have failed to resolve the 17-year power-sharing conflict between Hamas and Fatah. The success of this new deal remains uncertain.
The agreement comes amidst international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire for Gaza, with discussions focusing on the governance of the Hamas-run enclave post-war.
The key point of the Beijing Declaration is the formation of a Palestinian national unity government to oversee Palestinian affairs, according to senior Hamas official Hussam Badran.
The national unity government aims to manage the reconstruction of Gaza and the West Bank, as well as prepare for upcoming elections. Currently, Hamas governs Gaza while Fatah plays a role in the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
While details of the agreement do not specify a timeline for establishing the new government, previous similar declarations have faced challenges in implementation. Some experts suggest that U.S. approval may be necessary for progress.
The agreement represents a diplomatic success for China, showcasing its growing influence in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the Palestine Liberation Organization as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
China hopes for Palestinian independence through internal reconciliation and is willing to collaborate with relevant parties to implement the Beijing Declaration. The agreement also highlights the need for international support in forming an interim Palestinian government to govern Gaza and the West Bank.
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, not part of the PLO, seek inclusion in any unity deal through parliamentary elections. These groups differ from the current PLO stance on peace accords with Israel.
The declaration signifies a crucial step forward as Palestinians face ongoing conflict, particularly in Gaza. The recent agreement follows earlier talks between Hamas and Fatah in Beijing, marking progress in resolving longstanding disputes.
Chinese officials have been actively advocating for Palestinian interests in global forums, calling for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and a clear timetable for a two-state solution.
