With an aim to end their prolonged rift, in a significant development, Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a unity declaration in Beijing, reported Chinese State media on Tuesday.
The Beijing Declaration, which focuses on “ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity”, was signed by both groups, as announced by State broadcaster CCTV. This development aligns with recent comments by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who indicated that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas might be imminent.
The declaration was signed during meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, concluding a series of discussions that began on Sunday. These talks also included representatives from 12 other political factions, according to a post by the Chinese TV network CGTN on Weibo.
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have engaged in multiple rounds of unity negotiations since Hamas took control of Gaza from Fatah forces in 2007. Despite these efforts, past attempts at unity have faltered due to intense rivalry and the West’s refusal to recognise any government involving Hamas unless it formally acknowledges Israel.
