In an unprecedented move toward Middle East peace, representatives from Hamas, Fatah, and twelve other Palestinian factions have signed the Beijing Declaration in China’s capital. The agreement, mediated by China, aims to end years of division and establish a national unity government, a development that has been overwhelmingly welcomed by the international community.
Hamas spokesperson Hossam Badran described the declaration as an “additional positive step on the path to achieving Palestinian national unity.” He emphasized the significance of forming a Palestinian national consensus government, noting it as “the most important” aspect of the agreement.
Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, highlighted the depth of the agreement in an interview with Al Jazeera. “This agreement goes much further than any other reached in recent years,” he said. Barghouti believes that moving toward a unity government is crucial in “blocking Israeli efforts to create some sort of collaborative structure against Palestinian interests.”
The United Nations also welcomed the development. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stated, “This is an important step towards furthering Palestinian unity.” He added that such unity is “crucial for peace and security and for advancing the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and for a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state.”
China’s role as a global mediator has been increasingly recognized following this agreement. From facilitating détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia to supporting reconciliation efforts throughout the Middle East, China has demonstrated a commitment to promoting peace and stability. Barghouti expressed gratitude for China’s involvement, saying, “Without Chinese help, it would have been very difficult for us to reach this agreement. We highly appreciate the role of China and we thank China for its role.”
Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, commended China’s diplomatic efforts. “China has pulled two rabbits out of the hat in the Middle East,” he said in an interview with CGTN, referring to both the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the Beijing Declaration. Sachs noted that China’s ability to broker peace demonstrates its growing influence on the global stage, especially in resolving issues deemed “impossible or irreconcilable” by others.
The Beijing Declaration’s signing marks a hopeful turn in the long-standing conflict in the Middle East, signaling a potential path forward for Palestinian unity and peace in the region. As global support continues to pour in, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this agreement will pave the way for lasting stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
