In a historic landmark deal, 14 rival Palestinian factions including the Hamas and Al-Fatha signed the unity agreement brokered by China. The behind the scenes efforts were going on since April 2024 and finally, after three days of intense negotiations in Beijing, the rival factions agreed to join together for a united effort towards the Palestinian Statehood. The ‘Beijing Declaration’ was signed by Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mahmoud al-Aloul, vice chairman of the Central Committee of Fatah, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas member, and 12 other Palestinian factions on July 23, 2024, in Beijing.

The unity agreement has four main elements 1) the establishment of an interim national unity government, 2) the formation of unified Palestinian leadership ahead of future elections, 3) the free election of a new Palestinian National Council, and 4) a general declaration of unity in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks. (Aljazeera, July 23, 2024)

Historic Unity Agreement Signed by 14 Palestinian Factions in Beijing, marking a pivotal step towards unified Palestinian leadership.

The two rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Al-Fatah, have different approaches towards the Palestinian cause. Al-Fatah started as a resistance movement since its creation in 1956 supported by the Egyptian Revolutionary leader, Gamal Abdul Nasir, but later adopted the peaceful-diplomatic stance and ultimately established the Palestinian National Authority in 1994 after a series of agreements with Israel. Whereas, since its creation in 1987, Hamas has believed in armed struggle against Israel for the establishment of a Palestinian Homeland.

The division between these rival groups was intensified after the Palestinian general elections in 2006, in which Hamas secured victory and formed the government in West Bank and Gaza. However, the Hamas government could not survive and it led to an intense civil war between Hamas and Al-Fatah. The internal war culminated in controlling of Palestinian lands; West Bank by Al-Fatah and Gaza by Hamas, which divided the Palestinians and weakened the Palestinian cause.

In the past two decades, there have been many attempts for reconciliation and reunification between Hamas and Al-Fatah such as “the Cairo Declaration (2005), the Prisoners’ Document (2006), the Mecca Agreement (2007), the Sana’a Declaration (2008), the Cairo Agreement (2011), the Doha Agreement (2012), the Gaza and Cairo Agreements (2014), the Doha talks (2016), the Cairo Agreement (2017), the Fatah-Hamas-PIJ agreement (2020), and the Algiers Agreement (2022), among other efforts.

China Brokers Landmark Deal to Strengthen Palestinian Statehood Efforts and facilitate peace in the Middle East.

Despite numerous commitments and handshakes, none of these ultimately succeeded.’ (USIP, July 25, 2024) Therefore, how the latest ‘Beijing Declaration’ would succeed is yet to be seen. The 4-tire unity agreement is heavily studded with severe challenges of implementation, outside influences/pressures and support of the Palestinians.

There was a strategic compulsion for both the rival factions for a semblance of unity as the post-war arrangements in Gaza were being discussed. After the October 7, 2023, Gaza war, the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas had become irrelevant. The PA/Al-Fatah did not launch any armed action against Israel, yet the West Bank was being constantly attacked by Israel; killing hundreds of Palestinians and thousands taken into custody.

Despite this, the majority of the Arab States, led by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, supported the PA but the Hamas leadership was most sought-after for negotiations and agreements. On the other hand, Hamas was supported only by Qatar and Turkey; the US, Israel and the majority of the Arab States were not in favour of giving control of Gaza to Hamas; and Israel was eager to retain the control of Gaza for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the unity agreement had become the ultimate choice of all the rival Palestinian factions to form a united stance against Israel.

Beijing Declaration Represents a New Chapter in Hamas-Fatah Relations, fostering collaboration for statehood.

Importantly, Israel has lost the Gaza war in the streets of Europe and against the unflinching resilience of Gazans. Israeli primer Benjamin Netanyahu could not provide the desired security to Israeli citizens and territories; thus, he is fighting for political survival and wants to expand the war to gain Western/US sympathies. On the other hand, the ICJ ruling, the outcry of the international public opinion and domestic opposition are putting intense pressure on the Israeli government to end the war or make a lasting ceasefire.

The ‘Free Palestine’ has become the popular slogan of the international community and the ‘Two State’ is the ultimate solution to lasting peace in the area. Therefore, in the light of the discussion of post-war arrangements and planning for future scenarios, governance in Gaza has assumed importance. Thus, the unity agreement is an important measure to keep the control of Gaza with the Palestinians.

In this regard, it is important to highlight the Chinese role as an honest and reliable power broker. After the historic peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China offered to mediate between Israel and Palestine. (Financial Times, June 14, 2023) China despite having cordial relations with Israel, supports the Palestinian cause and works for the ‘Two State’ solution. “The recent reconciliation talks held in Beijing mark a significant milestone in the quest for Palestinian unity.

Palestinian Factions Unite in Beijing Amidst Ongoing Israeli-Gaza Conflict to present a unified front.

Under the auspices of the Chinese government, various Palestinian factions have agreed to form a unified front within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aiming to establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. This monumental agreement not only holds promise for the Palestinian people but also underscores China’s growing influence and commitment to peace in the Middle East. China has positioned itself as a key player in the quest for Middle Eastern peace.” (The Diplomat, July 25, 2024)

However, how this unity accord is going to affect the war in Gaza is yet to be seen but the Gazans are sceptical about it. One Gazan lady while giving to her frustration said “Come here to Earth and look at the hospitals in which there is not a single drop of blood that can save people’s lives. Look at the people in the northern Gaza Strip who are dying of hunger. Look at how Israeli tanks are frolicking in the land of Gaza. These people do not represent me.

China’s Role in Brokering the Beijing Declaration Highlights Its Growing Influence in Middle East Peace Efforts.

They are just failed actors.” (The Washington Post, July 23, 2024) Not surprisingly, Israel has opposed this unity accord, ‘Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz reasserted his government’s stance that no one but Israel will control Gaza following the end of hostilities.’ (Aljazeera, July 23, 2024) The accord may not be able to stop the war in Gaza but it has established the united Palestinian resolve to own Gaza and its people and forestall any Israeli claim over this territory.

Therefore, the Unity Agreement marks a significant development by all the Palestinian factions to give a clear message to Israel that the governing of the Palestinian lands is the right of the Palestinians themselves and their unified leadership. The agreement also provides a united stance of the Gazans to the international community and the world for they ultimately belong to an independent Palestinian State.

However, for this accord to achieve the desired results, it is the responsibility of the international community, especially the Arab States, to support the Chinese initiative and to work for an independent Palestinian State to establish a lasting and endurable peace in the region.