Palestinian factions, including long-time rivals Hamas and Fatah, have signed a “national unity” agreement in China. The deal aims to maintain Palestinian control over Gaza after Israel’s war on the enclave concludes.
The agreement establishes an “interim national reconciliation government” to rule post-war Gaza. It also lays the groundwork for unified Palestinian leadership ahead of future elections.
Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, says the agreement goes “much further” than any other reached in recent years. He highlights four main elements: an interim national unity government, unified leadership, free elections for a new Palestinian National Council, and a declaration of unity against Israeli attacks.
Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk calls the agreement a “historic junction” for Palestinians. He emphasizes the need for unity in the face of ongoing Israeli aggression.
The deal marks a significant turning point in internal Palestinian relations. Hamas and Fatah have been bitter rivals since 2006 when Hamas seized control of Gaza.
However, Israel swiftly condemned the agreement, opposing any Hamas role in governing Gaza. Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz claims Hamas’s rule will be crushed, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will be left “watching from afar.”
China, which hosted the talks, welcomes the agreement. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says reconciliation is an internal matter for Palestinian factions but requires international support. China has historically sympathized with the Palestinian cause and supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
