China Hosts Talks for Hamas and Fatah

On Tuesday, China disclosed that Hamas and Fatah, rival Palestinian groups, engaged in substantial discussions aimed at fostering intra-Palestinian reconciliation during recent meetings held in Beijing.

Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry, confirmed the participation of representatives from the Palestine National Liberation Movement and the Islamic Resistance Movement in the talks. He emphasized their commitment to reconciliation through dialogue and consultation, noting positive progress without specifying the exact timing of the meetings.

Hamas, an Islamist movement, took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 following clashes with Fatah, which retains partial administrative control in the Israeli-occupied West Bank through the Palestinian Authority.

China, historically supportive of the Palestinian cause and advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, facilitated the discussions.

In light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since October last year, China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with attacks by Hamas causing around 1,170 deaths in Israel, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel’s offensive has led to the deaths of at least 34,488 people in the Gaza Strip, predominantly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged for an “international peace conference” to resolve the conflict.

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