BEIJING: Chinese experts highlighted the importance of an agreement signed between Palestinian factions with the assistance of Beijing to work together for national unity and promote peace in the Middle East.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the signing of the agreement as a historic moment in the cause of Palestinian liberation. The aim of the declaration is to end divisions and strengthen unity.
Israel’s relentless military campaign has killed more than 39,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Talking to CGTN’s Global Watch, Rong Ying, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, said that the signing of the Beijing Declaration is a milestone for the internal reconciliation of Palestine.
He noted that this is the first time since the beginning of the Palestine-Israel conflict on October 7, 2023, that Palestinian factions have reached a reconciliation agreement.
Yu Guoqing, professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and executive director of the Chinese Association of Middle East Studies, in his views, said the reconciliation is a vital step for Palestine to speak with one voice with the global community.
The expert said that the agreement is also a major step towards ending the current conflict in Gaza, realizing a ceasefire and making post-war arrangements.
“Moreover, it marks an indispensable step towards the realization of a Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution,” he stressed.
In another major development, China also proposed to promote Palestine to become a full member of the UN.
According to Yu, it was not easy for representatives of all 14 Palestinian factions to meet in Beijing since they reside in different places, some in the West Bank and others overseas.
“At present, I believe only China is able to bring together these factions, whose stances vary,” he said.
He added that it was only natural for China to make the meeting happen as Beijing had long been sincerely pushing for peace among different Palestinian factions, with an eye on the resolution of the Palestine cause.
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The factions in the Beijing Declaration also expressed their appreciation for China’s sincere efforts to support the rights of the Palestinian people. “That speaks volumes for China’s image,” said Yu. “China seeks no interests for itself when it comes to Middle East issues.”
He said the agreement shows to the world once again that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, is practising the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Following the signing of the “Beijing Declaration,” Wang Yi emphasized the importance of “reconciliation” and announced the formation of an interim national reconciliation government for post-war Gaza. He underscored that reconciliation requires international community support and advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire and recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN.
