China wants to be a peacemaker: Fatah, Hamas reported to meet in China

Extract from the Global Times.

This may be a breakthrough move that we’ve been waiting for, or it may fizzle. This is the second meeting.

CHINA / DIPLOMACY
Fatah, Hamas reported to meet in China, ‘showing nation’s constructive role’
By Yang Sheng
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Photo: VCG

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Photo: VCG

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that China will work together with all parties within Palestine to promote reconciliation, amid reports that representatives of Fatah and Hamas are due to meet again in Beijing within days.

Intra-Palestinian reconciliation will help Palestine deal with Israel and solve the ongoing crisis more effectively.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks at a routine press conference on Tuesday in response to a question on a report claiming that senior officials from Hamas and Fatah will hold dialogue for reconciliation in Beijing from July 20 to 21.

“China always supports Palestinian factions in achieving reconciliation and solidarity through dialogue and consultation and stands ready to provide platforms and opportunities for all Palestinian factions to carry out dialogue for reconciliation,” Lin said.

The spokesperson noted that “the direction of our effort is the same as that of other relevant parties, and we would like to strengthen communication and coordination with them to work together for realizing Palestine’s internal reconciliation.”

Reuters reported on Monday that Palestinian factions, including rivals Hamas and Fatah, “will hold unity talks in China in July,” two senior Hamas and Fatah officials told Reuters on Monday, as they try to resolve deep divisions.

The Hamas delegation is “to be headed by its Qatar-based political chief Ismail Haniyeh,” while the Fatah representation “will be led by deputy head Mahmud Alul,” Fatah sources said.

The two factions also met in China in April to discuss reconciliation efforts to end around 17 years of political splits amid the ongoing bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine.