Palestinian factions sign declaration in Beijing to strengthen unity

Representatives from Palestinian factions have signed a declaration in Beijing committing to end division and deepen unity.

Authorities and observers say this is a significant step toward promoting reconciliation within Palestine and establishing conditions for the conclusion of the Gaza conflict.

The proclamation was signed following three days of reconciliation meetings between 14 Palestinian factions, including the two largest, Hamas and Fatah.

Analysts said the discussions, which China planned and supervised, underscored the country’s status as a trustworthy peace broker.

The declaration suggests holding an international conference with widespread participation and complete authority.

It also advocates for total national unity, which would include all Palestinian factions under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organization, as well as the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Tuesday at the talks’ closing ceremony that the most important consensus reached was for the 14 factions to reconcile and unite, with the core outcome being that the Palestine Liberation Organisation is the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinians.

Calls for internal reconciliation have been growing since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October, a prolonged conflict that has brought chaos and disaster to the Middle East.

Calling the Palestinian issue the core issue of the Middle East, Wang said that China has no selfish interests in the issue and remains a staunch advocate of justice and fairness.

Wang called for a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable cease-fire to ensure access to and implementation of humanitarian assistance, and emphasized upholding the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine “in Gaza’s postwar reconstruction.

He also stressed the importance of full membership for Palestine at the UN and the implementation of the two-state solution.