China hosts leaders of 14 Palestinian factions, with 'broad reconciliation' reached

China hosted leaders of a total of 14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, in Beijing from Sunday to Tuesday, with "broad reconciliation and unity" reached, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The leaders of the Palestinian factions have agreed to end their divisions, as noted in the Beijing Declaration that was signed at the closing ceremony of the dialogue.

"This marks the first time the 14 Palestinian factions have all gathered in Beijing for a reconciliation talk, offering a beacon of hope for the beleaguered Palestinian people," said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

The Palestine Liberation Organization is the sole legitimate representative of all the Palestinian people, according to the declaration. 

An agreement was also reached to form an interim national reconciliation government focused on the post-war governance of Gaza, with hope of the creation of a truly independent Palestinian state in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

The representatives of the Palestinian factions commended China for its role in ending division and strengthening unity for the Palestinian people, hailing the "positive and constructive spirit" of the dialogue.

"The key to the internal reconciliation process of the Palestinian factions is to maintain firm confidence, grasp the direction and proceed step by step," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the closing ceremony of the reconciliation dialogue.

Mao also stressed China's friendship with Palestine and said China hopes that Palestinian factions can achieve national unity and independent statehood soon. 

China will continue to work with all relevant parties to support this cause, the spokesperson added. 

(Cover: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China, July 23, 2024. /CFP)