Palestinian factions sign declaration to end divisions after talks in China

On Tuesday morning, various Palestinian factions came together to sign the Beijing Declaration, signaling a commitment to end their divisions and bolster Palestinian unity, according to Chinese state media.

The declaration was signed during the closing ceremony of a reconciliation dialogue held in Beijing from July 21–23, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

Fourteen Palestinian factions, including leaders from the rival groups Fatah and Hamas, participated in the ceremony. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was also present, as noted by CGTN in a social media update.

The reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, aimed at resolving nearly 17 years of conflict, were discussed during a prior meeting in China in April.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the agreement, highlighting the establishment of an “interim national reconciliation government” to govern Gaza post-conflict.

Wang emphasized that while reconciliation is an internal matter for the Palestinian factions, international support is crucial. China expressed its commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Hamas and Fatah have been in conflict since 2007, when Hamas fighters expelled Fatah from Gaza after a victory in the 2006 elections. Hamas has since governed Gaza, while Fatah controls the Palestinian Authority, which manages parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.