Hamas and Fatah sign unity deal in Beijing for Gaza governance

Hamas and Fatah have finalized a unity agreement in Beijing aimed at governing Gaza. The deal establishes an interim national reconciliation government and outlines plans for future elections and unified leadership. This move seeks to address ongoing conflict and internal Palestinian divisions. Israel has rejected the agreement, maintaining its control over Gaza.

CONTENTS: Hamas and Fatah sign unity deal in Beijing for Gaza governance

• Palestinian factions sign unity deal
• Barghouti: Key steps in unity
• Hamas-Fatah reconciliation seen as historic
• Israel rejects Hamas role in Gaza

Palestinian factions sign unity deal

Hamas and Fatah sign unity deal in Beijing for Gaza governance

Palestinian factions have reached a “national unity” agreement designed to ensure Palestinian governance over Gaza following the end of the conflict with Israel. The deal, finalized in China after three days of talks, establishes an “interim national reconciliation government” to oversee Gaza post-war. The agreement was signed by Hamas, Fatah, and twelve other Palestinian groups.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed the deal, and senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk emphasized the importance of national unity for future progress.

Barghouti: Key steps in unity

Hamas and Fatah sign unity deal in Beijing for Gaza governance: Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative and one of the 14 factions signing the agreement, told Al Jazeera that this accord represents a significant advancement compared to previous agreements. He outlined its four key components: establishing an interim national unity government, creating a unified Palestinian leadership in preparation for future elections, holding free elections for a new Palestinian National Council, and declaring unity against ongoing Israeli attacks.

Barghouti emphasized that forming a unity government is crucial as it counters Israeli attempts to undermine Palestinian interests by creating a collaborative structure against them.

Hamas-Fatah reconciliation seen as historic

Reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah would mark a significant shift in internal Palestinian dynamics. The two parties have been entrenched rivals since 2006, when Hamas took control of Gaza.

According to CNN, Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk described the current moment as “historic,” with Palestinians intensifying their struggle. Hamas, which led the recent October 7 attack on Israel, supports armed resistance against Israeli occupation, while Fatah, which governs the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, advocates for peaceful negotiations.

Despite several failed reconciliation attempts in the past, there is increasing pressure for unity due to the ongoing conflict and discussions among Israel and its allies about Gaza’s future governance. Mustafa Barghouti stated that the Gaza war is the “main factor” driving the Palestinian factions to unite, emphasizing the need for collective action against perceived injustice.

Israel rejects Hamas role in Gaza

Israel strongly rejects any role for Hamas in Gaza’s governance and has suggested, despite opposition from even Washington, that it plans to maintain control over the enclave. Israel quickly condemned the new deal, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticizing Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for collaborating with Hamas. Katz asserted that Hamas’s rule would be defeated and that Gaza would remain under Israeli control, stating on X that Abbas’s actions reveal his true intentions.

China, which has attempted to mediate in the conflict, previously hosted talks between Fatah and Hamas in April, where they expressed willingness to reconcile through dialogue. The recent agreement, known as the “Beijing Declaration,” involved discussions between Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Fatah’s deputy head Mahmoud al-Aloul.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that while reconciliation is an internal Palestinian matter, international support is crucial. China has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause and advocates for a two-state solution.