Hamas and Fatah, along with 12 other Palestinian factions, have signed a national unity agreement in Beijing.
The agreement, announced by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday, aims to establish an "interim national reconciliation government."
The deal marks a significant step towards unity between Hamas and Fatah, the two primary Palestinian political entities that have been at odds since the violent conflict of 2006.
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk hailed the agreement as a path to national unity, stressing its importance in countering Israeli control over Gaza.
Blocking Israeli influence
Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, emphasized that the agreement goes further than any previous attempts at reconciliation. The key elements of the accord include the formation of an interim national unity government, the establishment of unified Palestinian leadership ahead of elections, the election of a new Palestinian National Council, and a general declaration of unity against Israeli aggression.
Barghouti underscored the significance of this move, noting that it blocks Israeli efforts to impose a collaborative structure detrimental to Palestinian interests. The unity government, he said, is crucial in maintaining Palestinian control over Gaza and preventing Israeli dominance.
Hamas and Fatah's reconciliation is viewed as a pivotal moment in Palestinian politics. Abu Marzouk described the current situation as a "historic junction," with Palestinians uniting in their struggle. Hamas, known for its advocacy of armed resistance, and Fatah, which favors peaceful negotiations, have struggled to reconcile their differences for years. However, the ongoing war in Gaza has intensified calls for unity.
Barghouti attributed the war as the primary factor driving the factions together, asserting that unity is the only path forward. He stressed the importance of not only signing the agreement but also implementing it effectively.
Israel has vehemently opposed any Hamas role in Gaza's governance. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for cooperating with Hamas, reaffirming Israel's stance that it alone will control Gaza post-conflict.
Katz's remarks underscored Israel's determination to maintain security control over the enclave, dismissing the unity agreement as unrealistic. He accused Abbas of embracing terrorism, asserting that Hamas's rule would be crushed, leaving Abbas powerless.
China, seeking a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, hosted the talks that culminated in the unity agreement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian highlighted the progress made during the talks, which involved Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Fatah's deputy head Mahmoud al-Aloul
