Palestinian Factions Sign Beijing Declaration to Strengthen Unity

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: In an unprecedented display of solidarity, representatives from 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, pledged to end their divisions and enhance Palestinian unity by signing the Beijing Declaration on Tuesday.

This announcement came at the conclusion of a three-day reconciliation dialogue held from July 21 to 23 in Beijing, following an invitation from China for intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks.

At the closing ceremony, Fatah expressed its gratitude to China, highlighting that China’s support for Palestine has been unwavering and increasing in recent years. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the event.

Speaking to media, Rong Ying, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, emphasized that the signing of the Beijing Declaration marks a milestone in Palestine’s internal reconciliation efforts. Rong noted that this is the first reconciliation agreement among Palestinian factions since the latest outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The joint statement is seen as a crucial step towards achieving unity and reconciliation among Palestinian factions.

Rong further stated that the meeting of Palestinian representatives represents another significant achievement in China’s Middle East diplomacy. This follows China’s successful promotion of Saudi-Iranian reconciliation, showcasing China’s role as a major power and influential mediator in international conflicts.

In April, rival factions Hamas and Fatah met in Beijing to discuss reconciliation efforts, aiming to resolve disputes that have persisted for approximately 17 years.

The Beijing Declaration is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and unity among Palestinian factions, contributing positively to the broader peace process in the region.