RAMALLAH: Senior officials from the Palestinian groups Hamas, which is at war with Israel, and Fatah have agreed to meet in Beijing later this month in a renewed bid to pursue reconciliation, officials said on Monday as reported by AFP.
The delegation from Hamas will be led by its political chief Ismail Haniyeh, while Fatah will be represented by deputy head Mahmud Alul, according to sources within Fatah. Hamas had no immediate comment.
The meeting aims to bridge the longstanding rift between the two Palestinian factions, which intensified after Hamas fighters ousted Fatah from the Gaza Strip following deadly clashes in the aftermath of Hamas’s electoral victory in 2006.
Since seizing control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has governed the territory independently, while Fatah maintains administrative control over parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank through the Palestinian Authority.
Previous attempts at reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah have faltered, despite periodic efforts to negotiate a unified Palestinian leadership. The latest initiative comes amid heightened tensions as Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza since October 7 last year.
China, which hosted Hamas and Fatah representatives in April, will facilitate the upcoming talks scheduled for July 20 and July 21. Sabri Saidam, deputy secretary general of Fatah’s central committee, confirmed that the meetings will include discussions with Chinese officials.
“The goal is to end the state of division by reaffirming past agreements and establishing a constructive relationship between the Palestinian groups moving forward,” Saidam stated.
He further suggested the possibility of a preliminary meeting between Hamas and Fatah before the official talks commence in Beijing.
Another Fatah executive member highlighted the potential for a joint session between the two groups, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing the challenges facing Palestinians.
China has positioned itself as a more neutral actor on the Israel-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States, advocating for a two-state solution while also maintaining good relations with Israel.
