Hamas and Fatah sign declaration in Beijing on ending yearslong rift

Palestinian factions

Hamas and

Fatah

have signed a historic declaration in Beijing aimed at ending their yearslong rift and forming a

unity government

. This move, announced by Chinese state media on Tuesday, comes as the

Gaza conflict

continues and international efforts for a

cease-fire

intensify.
The declaration, reached during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marks an important step towards resolving the deep divide between the two major Palestinian political groups.

However, previous attempts at reconciliation have faltered, including a similar deal in 2011, raising questions about whether this latest China-sponsored negotiation will succeed.
The agreement was made as

Israel

and

Hamas

consider an internationally backed cease-fire proposal that could end the nine-month war and secure the release of

Israeli hostages

held by Hamas. Yet, the future governance of

Gaza

remains uncertain, with Israel opposing any role for Hamas and rejecting US calls for the Fatah-dominated Palestinian authority to take over Gaza post-war.
Hamas said that it does not wish to return to ruling Gaza and advocates for a technocratic government to be formed by various Palestinian factions. This government would oversee elections for both Gaza and the West Bank, aiming for a unified Palestinian administration.

The Beijing Declaration on “ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity” was signed by the two factions and 12 other political groups. The joint statement from the talks did not specify the details or timing of the new government formation but affirmed commitment to establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
Fatah and Hamas have been at odds since 2007 when Hamas took control of Gaza by force, leaving Fatah in charge of parts of the West Bank. Efforts to mend the rift have repeatedly failed due to power struggles and international conditions. The US administration under President

Joe Biden

has proposed reforms for a revamped Palestinian authority to govern postwar Gaza, but this has been rejected by Israel and is yet to find a viable alternative.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a smaller group allied with Hamas, has condemned any agreement involving recognition of Israel and demanded the withdrawal of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s recognition of Israel.