Written By Lisa Murimi
Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration agreeing to form an interim “national reconciliation government” for the occupied West Bank and Gaza after the war with Israel.
The agreement was reached in a meeting brokered by China, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Hamas officials announcing the development.
Representatives from Hamas, Fatah, and 12 other Palestinian factions pledged to work towards unity after three days of talks in Beijing.
This declaration marks the latest in a series of reconciliation attempts between Hamas and Fatah, who have been divided since 2007 when Hamas forcibly took control of Gaza from Fatah.
Despite previous agreements, the deep split remains unresolved, with the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority currently governing parts of the West Bank, while Hamas has held sway in Gaza.
The current war with Israel, which began on October 7 with Hamas’s attack on Israel, has further complicated the situation. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli offensive.
Hamas spokesman Hossam Badran described the declaration as a “positive step” towards Palestinian unity, emphasizing demands for a ceasefire, withdrawal from Gaza, and reconstruction efforts.
The declaration aims to establish a national consensus government to manage Gaza and the West Bank, oversee reconstruction, and prepare for elections.
Israel, which has vowed to destroy Hamas, dismissed the Beijing declaration. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for aligning with Hamas, stating that Israel’s security would remain under Israeli control.
China, undeterred by past failed agreements, continues to pursue peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, viewing Palestinian unity as essential.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined a three-step plan for Gaza: promoting a lasting ceasefire, upholding Palestinian self-governance, and recognizing a Palestinian state within a two-state solution.
China’s support for Palestinian causes dates back to Mao Zedong’s era and continues today with efforts to play a more direct role in international politics. Recently, China has brokered peace deals in the Middle East and presented itself as an alternative to US leadership.
The declaration remains an expression of intent, with significant obstacles to overcome. Fatah has yet to comment on the agreement, though its representative Mahmoud al-Aloul thanked China for its support of the Palestinian cause.
