Leaders of Palestinian Factions Sign Unity Declaration in Beijing

Leaders of Palestinian factions, such as Fatah and Hamas, have signed a joint statement in Beijing, calling for the formation of a Palestinian unity government. This move comes after historic divisions and previous failed reconciliation efforts, leading experts to question the feasibility of such a government (as reported by WaPo). Previous mediation talks facilitated by China did not result in a joint declaration. The current statement outlines that the unity government would be responsible for governing the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as working towards organizing elections (reported by Reuters). Israel’s foreign minister has criticized the agreement, expressing concerns about Hamas’s authority being weakened (according to Times of London). Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged for a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to govern postwar Gaza (as reported by Times of Israel). This development in Beijing coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to address the U.S. Congress and hold meetings with senior officials, including President Joe Biden (AP). Netanyahu’s office has also indicated that a potential agreement on a hostage release in Israel’s conflict with Hamas may be on the horizon (reported by Reuters).