Representatives of 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, pledged to end their divisions by signing the Beijing Declaration on Tuesday. This announcement followed a three-day reconciliation dialogue from July 21 to 23 in Beijing, organized at China’s invitation.
Key Highlights:
Beijing Declaration: The factions committed to strengthening Palestinian unity, marking a rare show of solidarity.
China’s Support: Fatah expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support for Palestine, noting its increasing role in recent years.
Chinese Foreign Minister’s Presence: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the closing ceremony, underscoring the significance of the event.
Expert Insights:
Rong Ying, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, described the signing of the Beijing Declaration as a milestone for Palestinian internal reconciliation. He highlighted that this agreement is the first of its kind since the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, emphasizing its positive significance for achieving unity among Palestinian and Israeli factions.
China’s Role in Middle East Diplomacy:
Rong also noted that this meeting represents another key achievement in China’s Middle East diplomacy, following its efforts to promote Saudi-Iranian reconciliation. This move showcases China’s influence as a mediator in international conflicts.
In April, rival factions Hamas and Fatah also met in Beijing to discuss reconciliation efforts, aiming to end nearly 17 years of disputes.
The Beijing Declaration marks a pivotal moment in Palestinian reconciliation efforts. With China’s support and mediation, the agreement between Palestinian factions to end divisions and work towards unity holds promise for lasting peace and stability in the region.
