China to host talks between Hamas and Fatah for Palestinian unity
- In Reports
- 05:54 PM, Apr 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
A Beijing-based diplomat, along with representatives from Islamist militant group Hamas and its rivals Fatah, confirmed that China will host talks aimed at achieving Palestinian unity. This move marks a significant step in Chinese involvement in Palestinian diplomacy, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched an attack on Israeli towns on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages. In response, Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, leading to an onslaught that has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians.
Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, serves as the movement for the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The two rival Palestinian factions have been unable to resolve their political disputes since Hamas fighters expelled Fatah from Gaza in a brief conflict in 2007. Moves to reconcile the two groups are viewed warily by Washington, which supports the PA but has designated Hamas as terrorists.
The Fatah official informed Reuters that a delegation, led by the group’s senior official Azzam Al-Ahmed, had departed for China. Additionally, a Hamas official stated that the faction’s team for the talks, led by senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk, would be flying there later.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed support for strengthening the authority of the Palestinian National Authority and for all Palestinian factions to achieve reconciliation and solidarity through dialogue and consultation. Wenbin made these remarks during a regular briefing, refraining from confirming the meeting.
A Hamas delegation is set to visit China, marking the first known public visit since the start of the Gaza war. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, a diplomat previously met Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar. The talks aim to support reconciliation efforts between the two Palestinian rival groups.
In recent times, China has showcased increasing diplomatic influence in the Middle East, bolstered by strong relations with Arab nations and Iran. Last year, Beijing facilitated a significant peace agreement between enduring regional adversaries Saudi Arabia and Iran.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported discussing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials in Beijing the potential for China to contribute constructively to global crises, including those in the Middle East.
Chinese officials have escalated their support for the Palestinians in international forums over the past few months, advocating for a larger-scale Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and urging for a specific timetable to implement a two-state solution.
Image source: Arab News
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