China: Fatah-Hamas Ready for Reconciliation
Hamas and Fatah have failed to bridge political differences since 2007. Now they say they are willing to continue dialogue.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attended a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on June 14, 2023.
BEIJING, TUESDAY — Hamas and Fatah expressed their political desire for reconciliation through dialogue. The two opposing factions in Palestine are willing to continue the dialogue to achieve a united government.
This was revealed by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (30/4/2024). Representatives from Hamas and Fatah were in Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese government. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated that there has been positive progress in the meeting between the two groups.
"They are willing to attend negotiations to fight for Palestinian reconciliation. They discussed various specific issues and achieved encouraging progress," said Lin in a daily press briefing.
He said that representatives from Hamas and Fatah arrived in Beijing a few days ago for in-depth dialogue. "The parties agreed to continue negotiations to achieve solidarity and unity of Palestine in the near future. They greatly appreciate China's strong support for justice for the Palestinian people in restoring their sovereignty as a nation. They thank China for supporting the strengthening of Palestinian unity and agreed to further negotiations in the future," said Lin.
Also read: Hamas-Fatah Meet in China, Palestinian Unity Government Has More Chances of Forming
Palestinian residents walk amongst the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Asra housing complex, northwest of Nuseirat, in the Gaza Strip on March 25, 2024.
Hamas and Fatah have failed to bridge their political disputes since 2007. The meeting that was mediated by China this time also took place amidst the ongoing war between Hamas and the Israeli military in Gaza.
Hamas has been besieged by the Israeli military in Gaza since launching an attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, the Fatah government in the West Bank is under heavy pressure amid the expanding presence of Israeli settlers, an unhealthy economy, and accusations of widespread corruption.
The parties agreed to continue negotiations to achieve Palestinian solidarity and unity in the near future.
On the other hand, the relationship between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas has not been harmonious since 2006. At that time, Hamas won the legislative elections in the Gaza Strip.
A woman holds up a poster in solidarity with Gaza residents during a demonstration in San Jose, Costa Rica, January 16, 2024.
In past negotiations, the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, said they supported a Palestinian state along the borders before the 1967 Arab–Israeli War. Israel, only as a reward for a ceasefire," he said.
The parties in Palestine have agreed to form a unity government with Hamas while respecting the peace agreement made by the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The peace agreement serves as a middle ground so that Hamas does not need to negotiate and agree to recognize Israel.
Also read: Hamas Ready to Recognize Israel and Lay Down Weapons
However, Israel and the United States refuse to recognize the Unity Government and continue to implement sanctions against Palestine. Finally the Palestinian Unity Government collapsed and war broke out between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas finally took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Confession
As for China, it has long recognized Palestine as part of the Cold War-era policy to build cooperation among developing countries and confront the West that supports Israel. However, in recent years, China has also maintained relations with Israel. China appointed a special envoy to negotiate with Israel and Palestine.
A group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology set up tents on the campus grounds in Cambridge, USA, on April 22, 2024, while demonstrating in support of Palestine.
The Hamas-Fatah meeting in Beijing this time is Beijing's latest attempt to mediate peace in the Middle East. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the holding of an International Peace Conference to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
In March 2023, China hosted a dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Through the meeting, both countries agreed to improve their diplomatic relations.
Also read: In Russia, Hamas-Fatah Discuss Palestinian Unity Government
Prior to the meeting in Beijing, representatives from Fatah and Hamas had also met in Russia. The meeting aimed to discuss the formation of a united Palestinian government and plans for the reconstruction of post-war Gaza (Kompas.id, 29/2/2024). Like China, the Russian government also endeavored to act as a mediator in conflicts in the Middle East.
In the development of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, the Egyptian news agency Al Qahera reported that the Hamas delegation had left Cairo after meeting with Egyptian officials to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. It was stated that Hamas will promptly respond to the proposed ceasefire. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Israel as the last part of his visit to the Middle East.
Blinken urges Israel to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the Gaza Strip. However, the best way out, according to Blinken, is to implement a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. (AP/Reuters)
