BEIJING — In a notable diplomatic achievement, senior representatives from the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have finalized a significant agreement in China’s capital, Beijing. The signing ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, represents a crucial effort to bridge a longstanding rift and foster Palestinian national unity amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The agreement, formally titled the “Beijing Declaration to End the Division and Strengthen Palestinian National Unity,” emerged from a series of intensive discussions spanning three days. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi heralded the agreement as a momentous breakthrough for the Palestinian cause, describing it as “a historic moment for the cause of Palestine’s liberation.”

China's Diplomatic Ambitions

This development highlights China’s growing role as a key diplomatic player in the Middle East, positioning itself as a significant counterpart to traditional Western mediators. The agreement follows China’s successful facilitation of a diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which restored relations strained over recent years and stirred considerable attention in Washington.

Details of the Beijing Declaration

The eight-point declaration includes several pivotal provisions designed to promote unity between the Palestinian factions. Central to the agreement is the establishment of a “temporary national unity government” to be formed by mutual consent of the Palestinian factions. This interim government is tasked with governing all Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It also stipulates the consolidation of Palestinian institutions across these areas and the preparation for upcoming general elections.

The declaration further addresses critical issues related to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, explicitly denouncing the legality of Israeli settlements and expansion activities in line with international resolutions and legal opinions from the U.N. Security Council, the U.N. General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice.

Implementation and International Reactions

A Palestinian official familiar with the declaration emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the agreement’s terms. Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, noted the uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of this agreement by other key stakeholders, including the United States, Israel, and European nations.

Hamas spokesperson Hossam Badran hailed the declaration as a “positive step” toward achieving Palestinian national unity. He emphasized the agreement’s commitment to ending the conflict, achieving a cease-fire, facilitating a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and addressing relief and reconstruction efforts.

U.S. and International Perspectives

The Biden administration has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, securing the release of all hostages, and supporting extensive post-war reconstruction, along with a restructured Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. However, this proposal has been rejected by Israel, which has yet to present an alternative governance plan for Gaza.

While China is not directly involved in the U.S.-led cease-fire efforts, it is positioning itself as a pivotal player in post-war reconstruction. The Chinese government has expressed a desire to host an international peace conference, with the Palestinian unity talks serving as an initial step toward that broader objective.

Fariz Mehdawi, the Palestinian Authority’s ambassador to China, remarked, “There is nothing to lose (for China) by hosting such an event. In diplomacy, either you make significant political moves, or it will be considered a failure for you.”

Historical Context and Future Implications

The deep-rooted division between Fatah and Hamas, intensified by Hamas’ violent takeover of Gaza in 2007, has long impeded Palestinian unity and governance. The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority has administered parts of the West Bank but faces criticism for its declining legitimacy. Simultaneously, Israel’s disparate control over the West Bank and Gaza has further complicated the situation.

Maria Papageorgiou, a lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Exeter, highlighted the significance of successfully mediating between the factions, noting that such mediation would represent a major diplomatic triumph for China.

The Beijing Declaration envisions the integration of Hamas into a Palestinian governance framework led by the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Wang Yi, according to Chinese state media, asserted that the PLO would become “the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people.”

Conclusion

China’s role in hosting and mediating Palestinian unity talks represents a strategic move to enhance its influence in international diplomacy. As global attention turns to these developments, the success of this agreement will be judged by its practical implementation and broader acceptance by key international stakeholders. The agreement marks a crucial turning point in Palestinian politics and underscores China’s expanding role on the global diplomatic stage.