China as a mediator - Fatah and Hamas's Unity Statement meets Skepticism
Rival Palestinian organizations Hamas and Fatah have reportedly agreed to an end to their long-standing conflict, according to Chinese state media. A total of 14 Palestinian groups - including Hamas and Fatah - signed a declaration for strengthening Palestinian unity during talks in Beijing. The goal is to establish a joint unity government, Palestinian media reported.
Similar agreements between the two organizations in the past brought no progress, and the new declaration faced skepticism in Israel and Palestinian territories.
The Beijing Declaration demonstrates "China's sincere efforts to support the rights of the Palestinian people, end the split, and unify the Palestinian position," said a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. "This is the first time that 14 Palestinian factions have gathered in Beijing for a reconciliation dialogue, bringing valuable hope to suffering Palestinian people," the spokesperson added.
Fatah and Hamas are bitter enemies
Fatah and Hamas are the two largest Palestinian organizations and bitter rivals. In 2006, Hamas won the last Palestinian parliamentary election. The following year, it seized control of the Gaza Strip by force and expelled Fatah from the area. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Fatah chairman, has been de facto governing only in the West Bank since then.
The US is betting on a reformed PA for the post-Gaza War period. The US wants the PA, which governs in the West Bank, to regain control in the Gaza Strip, and thus push for a two-state solution as a comprehensive approach to peace in the Middle East. Israel opposes the plans.
Hamas calls for Israel's destruction - Fatah seeks a diplomatic solution
In its charter, the terrorist organization Hamas calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic State of Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. Recently, it has signaled that it could join the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and become part of a unity government in all Palestinian territories, provided it recognizes Israel's right to exist and renounces armed struggle.
A high-ranking Hamas official was reportedly quoted as saying that his organization is willing to declare a ceasefire of five or more years for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The Hamas would lay down its weapons and transform into a political party.
Israel aims to eliminate Hamas as a power factor in the Gaza Strip
A demanded recognition of Israel by the international community and the signed peace treaties by Hamas are considered extremely unlikely. Israel aims to completely destroy Hamas' military capabilities - as well as its ability to govern.
- The disagreements between Hamas and Fatah in the Palestinian territories have been ongoing conflicts for many years.
- The Islamic Resistance Movement, more commonly known as Hamas, and Fatah, the largest Palestinian Organization, have had a strained relationship since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
- The recent Beijing Declaration, signed by 14 Palestinian groups including Hamas and Fatah, has sparked skepticism in both Israel and the Palestinian territories regarding the potential for lasting unity.
- China, as a host, has expressed its support for the Palestinian people's rights and the unification of their position, as seen in the Beijing Declaration between various Palestinian organizations.
- The Gaza Strip, under Hamas' control, has been a source of ongoing tension between Hamas and Israel, with Hamas' charter calling for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic State.
- Israel views Hamas as a significant power factor in the Gaza Strip and has expressed a desire to eliminate its military capabilities and ability to govern in the region.
