The Chinese Initiative: A Step Towards Palestinian Unity

Hasan Dajah

During the past week, the Chinese capital, Beijing, witnessed important developments in the path of Palestinian reconciliation, as China succeeded in sponsoring reconciliation between the Palestinian factions, which resulted in an agreement between the Hamas and Fatah movements, and the announcement of the “Beijing Declaration,” which represents an important step towards achieving Palestinian unity and ending the division that has persisted since 2007.

China’s power is increasing as an influential international mediator in global conflicts, which is clearly evident in its growing role in the Middle East region. After the success it achieved in sponsoring reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China turned to the Palestinian issue, where it succeeded in bringing together the Palestinian factions in Beijing and reaching an agreement between the Hamas and Fatah movements, which resulted in the “Beijing Declaration.”

This Chinese move shows the extent of Beijing’s desire to strengthen its influence on the international arena, and to use its economic and political power to achieve stability in tense regions. These efforts reflect the new Chinese foreign policy that seeks to play a greater role in resolving international conflicts and promoting global peace.

Through its diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East, China seeks to strengthen its relations with Arab and Islamic countries, and to emphasize its support for just causes such as the Palestinian cause. It also seeks to enhance its international image as a great power capable of achieving balance and stability, far from the traditional conflicts that the international arena witnessed under the dominance of Western powers.

Thus, China emerges as a new diplomatic power that seeks to establish new rules in the international system, relying on dialogue and negotiation to resolve crises, which strengthens its position as a major actor in global affairs.

The Chinese initiative includes three main steps aimed at achieving peace and stability in Gaza and ending the Palestinian division: the first of which is a ceasefire and complete withdrawal, as the first step requires an immediate ceasefire from all conflicting parties in Gaza. This will be followed by a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. This step comes within the framework of efforts aimed at calming the situation on the ground and stopping the bloodshed that continued for several months, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Then comes the second step, which is the formation of a temporary national reconciliation government. It includes all Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah. This government will be responsible for administering the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and creating conditions for the post-war reconstruction of Gaza. The tasks of this government also include preparing to hold general elections that guarantee the participation of all Palestinians in self-determination.

The third and final step is the full membership of Palestine in the United Nations, as the Chinese initiative includes seeking to grant Palestine full membership in the United Nations. This goal reflects China’s commitment to international support for the Palestinian issue, and aims to enhance international recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people and establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The signing of the “Beijing Declaration” came in the Chinese capital, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that the agreement aims to unite all Palestinian factions under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The declaration was signed in the presence of representatives of 14 Palestinian factions, which reflects the seriousness and great interest in achieving national reconciliation.

Despite the cautious optimism expressed by the Palestinian factions, there are fundamental challenges that stand out in the way of implementing this agreement. For example, there are clear differences in opinions between the Hamas and Fatah movements on some key issues, such as international legitimacy resolutions and methods of struggle and resistance. While Fatah sees the necessity of unity of power and weapons under the control of security personnel only, Hamas insists on the right of the factions to bear arms and resist as part of the national liberation phase.

The agreement sparked angry reactions from the Israeli side, as Israel criticized President Mahmoud Abbas’ signing of the agreement with Hamas and threatened again to end the proposed national reconciliation government. These criticisms come at a time when Gaza is suffering from a stifling siege, and the number of victims has increased to more than 39,090 More than 90,000 people have been injured and injured since the start of the Israeli aggression nine months ago.

The Chinese initiative comes within the framework of the increasing role played by China in the Middle East region, and its endeavor to enhance its international influence by supporting issues of justice and peace. This step can be seen as a Chinese attempt to strengthen its role as an international mediator capable of bringing the conflicting parties to the dialogue table and providing practical solutions to ongoing disputes.

Finally: The three-step Chinese initiative represents a real opportunity to achieve Palestinian reconciliation and end the long-standing division. Despite the great challenges facing the implementation of this initiative, strong political will and international support can contribute to achieving the desired goals. The Palestinian factions must also seize this opportunity and work seriously towards achieving national unity, for the sake of a better future for the Palestinian people, and an end to their continuing suffering.

Hasan Dajah

Professor of Strategic Studies at Al Hussein Bin Talal University