An initial assessment of the Beijing Declaration between Hamas and Fatah, its background and possible implications
Palestinian factions, including rivals Hamas and Fatah, declared their willingness in Beijing in July to “end divisions and strengthen Palestinian unity” following reconciliation talks hosted by China in the latest attempt to resolve the long-standing Palestinian rivalry. Similar agreements have failed in the past, damping the prospects of success. Nevertheless, bringing together 14 Palestinian factions to agree on a common framework during times of war can be considered a diplomatic achievement – not least for the host of the mediations, the People’s Republic of China.