Hamas and Fatah Meet in Beijing

Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration in Beijing agreeing to form an interim "national reconciliation government" for the West Bank and Gaza after the current war with Israel. This China-brokered agreement is the latest in a series of reconciliation attempts between the rival groups, though significant obstacles remain, including Israel's firm opposition to Hamas involvement in Gaza's future governance. The development occurs as China seeks to expand its role in international politics, particularly in the Middle East. China has proposed a three-step plan for addressing the Gaza war and has historically supported Palestinian causes. However, the effectiveness of this agreement is uncertain given past failed reconciliation attempts and Israel's stated goal of destroying Hamas.