China to Host Palestinian Unity Talks Between Hamas and Fatah
China will host talks between the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, marking a significant entry into Palestinian diplomacy amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The talks aim to support reconciliation efforts between the two rival groups.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Fatah, led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have been politically divided since Hamas expelled Fatah from Gaza in 2007. The United States supports the Palestinian Authority but has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, making it wary of reconciliation efforts.
Despite these concerns, delegations from both Hamas and Fatah have arrived in China for the talks. This marks the first public visit by a Hamas delegation to China since the war in Gaza began.
China has been increasingly active in Middle Eastern diplomacy, leveraging its strong ties with Arab nations and Iran. Last year, Beijing brokered a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed with Chinese officials how China can play a constructive role in global crises, including the Middle East.
China has also been advocating for the Palestinians in international forums, calling for a larger-scale Israeli-Palestinian peace conference and a specific timetable for a two-state solution. Additionally, China has urged the International Court of Justice to rule on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories and has pushed for Palestine's membership in the United Nations.