Hamas and Fatah Sign Declaration Ending Years-Long Rift: Chinese State Media

Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration in Beijing aimed at ending their long-standing rift, according to Chinese state media.

If confirmed, the accord would mark a step toward resolving the deep-seated division between the two groups amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

There have been a series of talks intended to unify the factions, although skepticism remains given the failure of previous agreements.

This China-sponsored negotiation occurs as Israel and Hamas consider an internationally backed ceasefire proposal, which aims to end the nine-month conflict and secure the release of numerous Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, signaled late Monday that conditions to bring the captives back were “ripening,” according to a statement from his office. He said that was happening because of the fierce military pressure Israel was putting on Hamas and gave no further details.

Despite a potential agreement, the future governance of Gaza remains uncertain, with Israel firmly opposing any involvement of Hamas.

Since the onset of the current conflict, Hamas officials have expressed a desire not to return to their previous role in governing Gaza. Instead, they advocate for the establishment of a technocratic government agreed upon by various Palestinian factions, paving the way for elections in both Gaza and the West Bank to form a unified administration.

The Beijing Declaration, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV, focuses on “ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity.” The deal was reached following discussions between the two rival factions and twelve other political groups, facilitated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These talks, which began on Sunday, culminated in the signing of the declaration, The Associated Press reported.

Details on the formation of the proposed government remain sparse, with the joint statement from the Beijing talks only indicating that it would be established “by agreement among the factions.”

Hamas and Fatah have been at odds since 2007, when Hamas forcibly ousted forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah from Gaza. Since then, the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas, has governed parts of the occupied West Bank, although it is often criticized by Palestinians for corruption and perceived collaboration with Israel.

Efforts to reconcile the factions have repeatedly failed, largely due to their power struggle and the West’s refusal to accept any government that includes Hamas unless it recognizes Israel.

The Biden administration envisions a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern postwar Gaza, advocating for reforms to make it a viable governing body. However, Israel has rejected this notion without offering a credible alternative.