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In a significant development, Palestinian political factions Hamas and Fatah have reached an agreement to establish a future government, as announced on Tuesday. This accord emerged following three days of negotiations in Beijing, mediated by Chinese officials.
This initiative marks another effort to bridge the longstanding divides between Hamas and Fatah, which have complicated governance in Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Issam Bakr, a member of the political bureau of the Palestinian People’s Party, emphasized the necessity for unity during these challenging times, as shared in a video clip with CBC News.
The declaration surfaces at a critical moment, with the conflict in Gaza extending into its tenth month. There are ongoing discussions regarding a proposed ceasefire, backed by the U.S. and Egypt, intended not only to conclude the hostilities but also to facilitate the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Uncertain Implementation Details
The joint declaration made by the two groups did not supply concrete details regarding the implementation of the agreement or the timeline for the formation of the new government. This has led to skepticism, given that prior attempts at reconciliation have faltered. The statement described the move as merely an “initial step.”
Hani Al-Masry, a specialist in Palestinian reconciliation, expressed that although a chance exists for progress, the lack of a specific implementation schedule diminishes its potential impact. Meanwhile, Bakr hopes that this agreement could foster genuine changes and encourage a united geopolitical landscape between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Historic Rivalry between Fatah and Hamas
The roots of the rivalry between Hamas and Fatah trace back to the 2006 elections in Gaza, where Hamas won a decisive victory, provoking a split in Palestinian governance. Prior to this, Fatah had held control and continues to manage parts of the West Bank through the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas is known for its commitment to armed resistance against Israel, whereas Fatah has historically favored negotiations and diplomacy as means to resolve the ongoing conflict. Today, Yahya Sinwar leads Hamas in Gaza, while Mahmoud Abbas heads Fatah and the Palestinian Authority.
Fatah, established in the 1950s by Yasser Arafat, has pursued a two-state solution since the 1980s, advocating for peaceful negotiations with Israel.
Ramzi Rabah, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), regarded this agreement as a “positive step.” The PLO, formed in 1964, aims to unify Palestinian representation across different factions, which have historically operated independently.
Response from Israel and the United States
Responses from Israel and the U.S. have been critical. The United States has made it clear that any Palestinian government including Hamas will not be recognized unless the group acknowledges Israel’s right to exist. This stance poses additional obstacles to reconciliation efforts and highlights the internal contentions that have plagued Palestinian factions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz openly rejected the recent agreement, criticizing Abbas for purportedly aligning himself with Hamas and predicting that the alliance would ultimately fail. He asserted that Israel will maintain its security measures unilaterally, emphasizing that Hamas’s capability to govern should be abolished.
WATCH | The difficulties of a two-state solution:
Why a two-state solution is nearly impossible to achieve
There is a prevailing view among international leaders that a two-state solution is the best pathway to peace in the region. However, significant challenges obstruct its realization. Following the deadly October 7 attacks attributed to Hamas, which resulted in considerable Israeli casualties and hostages, Israel has responded with extensive military actions leading to substantial loss of life in Gaza as reported by local health authorities.
Amidst these circumstances, Hamas has indicated it is not seeking to resume direct rule over Gaza. Instead, it has called for the establishment of a government that reflects consensus among various Palestinian factions, followed by elections aimed at creating a unified governance structure for both Gaza and the West Bank.
As the situation unfolds, Fatah spokesperson Jamal Nazzal stated that substantial progress hinges on a potential ceasefire, indicating that most of the agreement’s provisions will be pursued only after hostilities have ceased.
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