What’s behind China’s decision to host Hamas-Fatah talks?
China has not achieved any breakthroughs in its efforts to mediate between Fatah and Hamas but is seeking a greater role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in part due to its rivalry with the United States, says one expert.
China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah made progress during recent reconciliations talks in Beijing as the People’s Republic seeks a greater role in the Middle East.
Representatives from Fatah, the leading political group in the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, which governs Gaza internally, met in Beijing on Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to end Palestinian political divisions. High-ranking officials from both parties attended, including the head of Hamas’ political bureau, Moussa Abu Marzouk, and Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of Fatah’s Central Committee.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters on Tuesday that the two sides “made encouraging progress” during the talks and agreed to continue dialogue.
“They agreed to continue this dialogue process so as to achieve Palestinian solidarity and unity at an early date,” he said.
