CCP Seeks to Facilitate ‘Intra-Palestinian Reconciliation’ to Challenge US Influence in the Middle East

CCP Aims to Promote ‘Intra-Palestinian Reconciliation’ in Effort to Counter US Influence in the Middle East

May 3, 2024 TruthUSA

‘China wants to have a share in the reconstruction of the Middle East’s political power map,’ according to Chinese affairs commentator Tang Jinyuan.

Rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah recently engaged in talks in Beijing for reconciliation. This move from China is seen as an attempt to counterbalance American peace efforts in the region amid tensions between the United States and China.

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2006, and Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) governing the West Bank, sought reconciliation through dialogue in Beijing. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas carried out a severe terrorist attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the taking of hundreds of hostages.

On April 30, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spokesperson Lin Jian announced that representatives from both Fatah and Hamas visited Beijing at China’s invitation to advance the dialogue for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Positive progress was noted in the negotiations, with both sides agreeing to continue the dialogue process and expressing gratitude for China’s efforts.

Discussions in Beijing included not only reconciliation efforts but also China’s support for Palestine’s UN entry and advocacy for the two-state solution. Historically, the CCP has been in favor of the Palestinian cause and has backed the two-state solution.

US Efforts

Following his visit to China, Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Saudi Arabia on April 29 for his seventh visit to the region since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The purpose of this visit was to push for diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

In Riyadh, Mr. Blinken pointed out that Hamas is the only obstacle to a ceasefire in Gaza, mentioning Israel’s proposal for a ceasefire involving the release of some hostages held by Hamas. Currently, achieving a ceasefire and restoring peace in the Middle East is a top priority for the Biden administration.

“In this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas,” Blinken said. “They have to decide, and they have to decide quickly.”