Palestinian Unity Deal in Beijing

In a significant development, Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah have reached an agreement to form a unity government during talks hosted by China, as announced on July 23. This deal aims to establish a post-war administration for Gaza, but it has been swiftly rejected by Israel, which is intent on dismantling Hamas. Analysts express skepticism about the agreement's viability, citing the longstanding animosity between the factions and Western opposition to Hamas's involvement in governance. No timeline for implementation has been provided. The meeting took place as mediators sought to negotiate a ceasefire following nine months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Hamas welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a protective measure against external interventions that threaten Palestinian interests. However, there was no immediate response from Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz, dismissed the prospect of Hamas governing Gaza, asserting that Israel would maintain control over the region. The unity agreement, termed the "Beijing Declaration," outlines plans for an interim national reconciliation government to oversee Gaza and the West Bank. Key elements include the formation of a unified Palestinian leadership and the organization of future elections. Despite the potential for reconciliation, experts warn that previous similar agreements have failed without U.S. backing, and the current deal faces strong opposition from the U.S., Israel, and Britain. China's involvement in brokering this agreement highlights its growing influence in Middle Eastern affairs, following its successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that Palestinian reconciliation is an internal matter but requires international support for success.