Dr. Hasan Yaser Malik
Historical Context
Conflict between Fatah and Hamas; two principal Palestinian political parties led to Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Strains between Fatah and Hamas began to rise in 2005 after the death of Yasser Arafat in November 2004. After legislative election on 25 Jan 2006, that resulted in a Hamas victory, caused factional fighting which became more strong after the two parties repeatedly failed to reach a deal to share government. Hamas was founded in 1987 soon after the First Intifada broke out. The Hamas government was replaced on 17 March 2007 by a national unity government headed by Haniya comprising Hamas and Fatah ministers. President Abbas, declared a state of emergency, on 14 June 2007 and dismissed Haniyeh’s national unity government and appointed an emergency government.
Principal Issues between Hamas and Fatah
- Hamas refused to accept the Quartet’s conditions; to recognise Israel and earlier agreements.
- Another issue is control over the border crossings, especially the Rafah Border Crossingto Egypt.
Previous Reconciliation Efforts
- Quartet Principles. Quartet is a diplomatic body formed in 2003 that is composed of the UN, EU, Russia and the U.S with an aim of mediating the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
- Cairo Declaration. Includes the formation of a unity government and the cessation of violence between Fatah and Hamas of 8 February 2007.
- Fatah–Hamas Mecca Agreement. Was agreed on 23 March 2008, however this also could not deliver.
- Sana’a, Agreement. It called for a return of the Gaza Strip to the pre-June 2007 situation, though this has not happened.
Recent Hamas-Fatah Beijing Declaration
Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration in Beijing vowing to form a government together, the groups said Tuesday, in the latest attempt at resolving their long rivalry. Both sides said the accord, which provided no guarantees or timeline, was only an initial step.
Analysis
- Previous such declarations have failed, raising doubt over whether the China-sponsored negotiations might lead to a resolution between Hamas and Fatah.
- Israel has strongly opposed any role for Hamas, as Israel has announced its destruction after its Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.
- S. and Western nations have rejected to accept any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless it deliberately recognises Israel.
- Israel’s FM has said no joint governance between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza will take place “because Hamas’ rule will be crushed.”
- Beijing Declaration emphasise on “ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity,” pledging to form a unity government for the Palestinian territories.
- The agreement offered only broad outlines on how they would work together.
- The agreement also underscored China’s attempts to have a growing role in Middle East diplomacy, after its success in mediating the restoration of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
- In the statement, all the factions including Hamas said they were committed to the creation of a Palestinian state on lands Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.
- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a smaller militant group allied with Hamas, issued a statement after the talks saying it still “rejects any formula that includes recognition of Israel explicitly or implicitly”.
- China said it continues to contribute “Chinese wisdom and solutions” for the resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Conclusion
Beijing has never has never been self-centred about Palestinian question as it values morality and advocate justice. China was among one of first few countries that recognised PLO and the State of Palestine, and have been steadfast in supporting the restoration of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. Since the beginning of the new era, President Xi Jinping has repeatedly put forward proposals and proposals for the settlement of the Palestinian issue, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the settlement of the Palestinian issue. It is hoped that the declaration bridges the diverging stance about Israel. Hamas earlier said that it would accept a state based on the pre-1967 war borders, while Fatah abides by interim peace agreements with Israel signed in early 1990s.
Writer is Ph.D in International Relations ,Fellow Research Member with Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (UK),Member Board of Advisor “The Beacon” Research Journal of Pakistan Navy War College ,Fellow Research Member with Environ Monitor,Fellow Research Member with National Foundation for Environment Education & Research,Research Member with Research Gate and Director Thinkers Forum of Pakistan