Sabri Saidam, the Central Committee Deputy Secretary General of Fatah, revealed that on July 20th and 21st, their officials would meet with China officials in Beijing.
According to Fatah sources, Hamas is sending a delegation led by its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, based in Qatar. At the same time, Fatah will be represented by its deputy head, Mahmoud Aloul.
Promise of Aid for Gaza from China
Symbolic Unity Among Palestinian Factions
Chinese authorities said they did not want to spoil anything and would announce details at an appropriate time.
Hamas and Fatah Meeting in Beijing
Lijian Zhao, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that through dialogue and negotiation among all parties, China has always supported reconciliation and unity in Palestine.
China’s Concern Over the Middle East Situation
He added that Beijing was “ready to provide a platform to promote dialogue and reconciliation” and to provide opportunities for all parties involved in the Palestinian issue.
Lijian also said China is working hard to strengthen contact with all parties” to “achieve mutual understanding among Palestinians.
A Ray of Hope
It should be noted that Hamas scored a significant victory in the 2006 elections. It expelled Fatah from the Gaza Strip following deadly clashes, making them bitter enemies since then.
Since 2007, Hamas has been ruling Gaza while the Palestinian Authority (PA) controls parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Where it exercises limited self-rule under overall Israeli security control. However, this is not recognized universally since many consider PA illegitimate due to its failure. So far, to establish sovereign statehood through a negotiated settlement with Israel.
