Beijing, 1 May 2024, (GNP): Hamas and Fatah, rival Palestinian factions, have indicated their intention to pursue reconciliation through discussions during unity talks held in Beijing, as stated by China’s foreign ministry on Tuesday.
The two groups have been unable to resolve their political disagreements since Hamas forces ousted Fatah from the Gaza Strip in a brief conflict in 2007. Their discussions occurred amidst Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
“The Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) and Islamic Resistance Group (Hamas) representatives arrived in Beijing a few days ago for in-depth and candid dialogue,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular briefing.
“They agreed to continue the course of talks to achieve the realisation of Palestinian solidarity and unity at an early date.”
Lin stated that both parties expressed gratitude to Beijing for its initiatives to “advance Palestinian unity internally and agreed to continue discussions.”
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In a subsequent announcement on Tuesday, Hamas commended China’s endeavors to reconcile Palestinian factions, its longstanding “supportive position on the Palestinian issue, and its condemnation of the violence against our population.”
Israel refutes claims of genocide in Gaza, asserting its objective is to eliminate Hamas and not to engage in conflict with the Palestinian populace.
According to Israeli reports, Gaza’s health ministry indicates that over 34,500 Palestinians have died in the conflict, initiated by Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.
Hamas stated that its delegation, led by Moussa Abu Mazouk, the head of its international relations, engaged in discussions with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li in Beijing on Sunday.
The discussions encompassed a review of efforts to secure a ceasefire, the dire humanitarian conditions resulting from Israel’s bombings and invasion, and the potential for China to bolster humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
“In conclusion, both sides affirmed the continuation of consultations and working towards achieving Palestinian national unity, with China ready to provide all necessary support.”
Fatah, the movement led by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority governing the Israeli-occupied West Bank, did not provide an immediate response or comment.
Israel is holding off on sending a delegation to Cairo for further discussions until Hamas responds to proposals regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages, according to a source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that the United States supports any Chinese initiatives that contribute to stability and security in the region or facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.
“If that’s the outcome – that China is able to help convince Hamas to accept this deal, get those hostages home – then of course that would be all to the good,” he said.
Kirby clarified that he had no knowledge of any communication between the United States and China regarding China’s discussions with Palestinian groups.
