Hamas and Fatah sign declaration in Beijing on ending yearslong rift as war rages in Gaza
Chinese state media says Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration in Beijing on ending a yearslong rift
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration in Beijing on ending a yearslong rift, the groups said Tuesday, taking a step toward resolving a deep divide which has lingered for years despite repeated attempts at unifying the sides.
The two heavyweights of Palestinian politics signed the Beijing Declaration on “ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity,” according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, pledging to form a unity government for the Palestinian territories. But previous such declarations have failed, including a similar deal in 2011, casting doubt over whether the China-sponsored negotiations might actually lead to a resolution.
The declaration comes at a sensitive time, as the war in Gaza rages on into its 10th month and as Israel and Hamas are weighing an internationally backed cease-fire proposal that would wind down the war and free dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The question of Palestinian political unity could complicate planning for a postwar leadership structure for Gaza, one of the thornier issues in the ongoing peace talks. Hamas won parliamentary elections in Gaza in 2006 and then overran the territory in a violent takeover the following year.
