Mediated by China, senior officials of 14 Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity during reconciliation talks in Beijing from July 21 to 23.
The declaration to end the 17-year internal division between the two Palestinian rivals, Fatah and Hamas, will contribute to peace, security, stability and development in the Middle East.
The declaration represents a positive step towards Palestinian national reconciliation, bringing new hope to the long-suffering Palestinian people and paving the way for a unity government after the conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.
It demonstrates China’s leading role in promoting peace, security and stability in the Middle East and its active contributions to international conflict resolution.
China has always based its independent diplomatic policy on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in the internal affairs of the other side, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
China’s role as a peace broker in the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year and the restoration of diplomatic relations after seven years has increased confidence in China’s ability to bring peace to various Middle Eastern factions.
A key outcome of the reconciliation dialogue between Palestinian factions held in Beijing specifies that the Palestine Liberation Organization is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people.
The most significant highlight is the agreement to create an interim government for national reconciliation aimed at the post-war administration of Gaza, and the most important challenge is the creation of a truly independent Palestinian state according to the relevant UN resolutions.
China has previously proposed a “three-step initiative” to escape the current conflict and predicament.
The first step is to achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground.
The second step is to work together on the post-conflict governance of Gaza under the principle of “Palestinians ruling Palestine”. The urgent priority is to resume post-conflict reconstruction as soon as possible. The international community must support Palestinian factions in establishing an interim government of national consensus and implementing effective governance in Gaza and the West Bank.
The third step is to help Palestine become a full member state of the United Nations and to proceed with the implementation of the two-state solution: Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in two states – Israel and Palestine.
I believe that achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation will create a better future for both the Palestinian and Israeli people. It will end the conflict and pave the way for sustainable peace in the region.
