Hamas and Fatah officials convene in China to discuss unity efforts

In a significant development, rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas recently met in Beijing for reconciliation talks, as confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday. The meeting, which took place at an undisclosed date, saw officials from both groups engaging in “in-depth and candid talks on promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation”, according to China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian.

During the meeting, both Fatah and Hamas representatives expressed their strong political will to achieve reconciliation through dialogue and consultation. They discussed various specific issues and made positive progress towards unity. This comes after the two factions also met in Moscow in February to discuss the formation of a unity government amidst the ongoing Israeli onslaught on Gaza.

“The two sides highly appreciated China’s firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights,” Lin stated, highlighting China’s consistent backing of the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination.

The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority currently administers the occupied West Bank, while Hamas had previously been the ruling power in Gaza. The longstanding political rivalry between the two groups dates back decades, with violent clashes erupting after Hamas emerged victorious in the 2006 legislative elections. This led to Hamas gaining full control over the Gaza Strip, further deepening the divide between the factions.

China has been actively advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza since October 7, amidst the devastating military campaign by Israel that has claimed the lives of over 34,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The war has left an estimated 10,000 people missing and buried under the rubble, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In a significant move, Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar in March, marking the first meeting between China and Hamas since October. Wang emphasized China’s interest in fostering relations with Hamas, recognizing the group as an integral part of the Palestinian national fabric.

Haniyeh, in turn, stressed the importance of ending the war swiftly and called on Israel to withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip. The engagement between China and Hamas reflects a shift in China’s approach towards the Palestinian conflict, with a focus on legitimizing Hamas as a political faction and promoting inclusive dialogue for lasting peace.

Ahmed Aboudouh, an associate fellow at Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, noted that China’s efforts to host Palestinian reconciliation talks aim to legitimize Hamas as a key player in the peace process. Unlike some Western countries and Arab allies, China views Hamas as a legitimate political entity and believes that its inclusion is essential for achieving peace with Israel.

By supporting Hamas and advocating for the Palestinian people’s right to resist occupation, China is positioning itself as a key player in the Global South, where many countries view Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement. This stance was further reinforced during hearings before the International Court of Justice, where China affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to use armed force against Israel’s occupation as a fundamental right under international law.

As China continues to play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between Palestinian factions, the international community will be closely watching the outcomes of these efforts in the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.