Hamas and Fatah End Rift in Beijing, But Will Compromise Endure?

Several Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, have signed a "national unity" agreement in Beijing, demonstrating China's push as a mediator in a diplomatic area normally influenced by the United States. The agreement aims to end intra-Palestine divisions and establish a joint platform to govern post-war Gaza—although it will not end the current war in Gaza as the Israeli government has rejected any proposal featuring Hamas or the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority. The signing marked the conclusion of three days of reconciliation dialogue involving 14 different Palestinian groups..Previous Reconciliation Efforts.Previous reconciliation attempts between Palestinian factions have been unsuccessful, yet the ongoing conflict in Gaza has reignited these initiatives. In April, Hamas and Fatah convened in China following an earlier discussion in Russia in February to address their 17-year-long rivalry since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip from Fatah officials in 2007..Fatah and Hamas have been political rivals for decades, competing for leadership in both the Palestinian Authority and the broader Palestinian liberation efforts. Violent clashes between the factions followed Hamas' 2006 legislative election victory, which resulted in Hamas gaining control over Gaza..Currently, Hamas remains the de facto ruling power in Gaza, while the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority administers the occupied West Bank..Stakeholders and International Observers.The unity deal, called the "Beijing Declaration to End the Division and Strengthen Palestinian National Unity" and signed today, July 23rd, in Beijing, China, was attended by Mahmoud al-Aloul, Vice Chairman of Fatah, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuk, alongside 12 other Palestinian factions..Musa Abu Marzuk stressed the importance of national unity..Representatives from Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict, Algeria, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and Russia also attended the meeting..China's Diplomatic Engagement.The deal highlights China's growing ambitions to be a peacemaker in the Middle East. China has played a significant mediating role in the current conflict in Gaza, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping calling for an international peace conference to end the war..China supports the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution, and has positioned itself as a "neutral actor" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict compared to the United States..China is actively promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, a strategy that aligns with its broader goal of asserting itself as a major player on the global stage. The country has secured an increased role in the region, demonstrated by its facilitation of the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran..Components of the Unity Agreement .Wang described the deal as an agreement to govern the Gaza Strip together after the war. He emphasized that while reconciliation is an internal matter for Palestinian factions, international support is crucial..Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, highlighted four main elements of the agreement:.the establishment of an interim government,the formation of unified Palestinian leadership ahead of future elections,the free election of a new Palestinian National Council,a general declaration of unity..The agreement also aims to block Israeli efforts against Palestinian interests..Obstacles and Divergent Views.Reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah is seen as a key turning point in Palestinian relations. However, key differences still exist between the two movements, especially regarding the resolution of the current events in Gaza: while Hamas advocates for an armed resistance against Israel, Fatah supports peaceful negotiations..In addition, Israeli officials may view this agreement with skepticism, as Israel opposes any Hamas role in governing the strip. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for cooperating with Hamas and asserted that Israel will maintain control over Gaza in a post-war setting..As the agreement moves forward, analysts' focus will be on whether the factions can maintain unity and effectively govern post-war Gaza with the support of the international community.