China’s Bid to Heal the Palestinian Wound; A Three-Phase Initiative [Part one]

The Middle East conflict revolves around the Palestinian conflict. Beijing has made suggestions and taken measures in recent years to resolve the Palestinian issue using Chinese insight and methods.

Numerous incidents have been labeled as turning points in the conflict that started on October 7, when Hamas fighters broke through Israel’s perimeter barrier encircling Gaza. According to Palestinian authorities, Israel’s attack in Gaza has resulted over 40,000 deaths. Although there is no distinction made between fighters and civilians in the statistics, women and children make up about two thirds of those who have been properly recognized. Then there are the maybe 10,000 people who are still buried under the debris. Israel charges that Hamas is exploiting the unarmed civilians of Gaza as a human shield and claims that its troops have killed 14,000 Hamas members.

Leading delegates from 14 Palestinian groups held talks in Chinese capital last month at China’s request. The Beijing Declaration on Promoting Palestinian National Unity and Overcoming Separation was signed by all these groups. The Beijing Conference was among the main comprehensive and extensive peace negotiations including fourteen political parties to that point.

Rehabilitation and solidarity amongst the 14 groups is a key agreement reached at the Beijing discussions. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is recognized as the only authorized representation of the Palestinians, and this is the main result. The commitment to form a temporary national unity administration with an emphasis on Gaza’s rehabilitation following the fighting is the main focal point. The establishment of a sovereign nation of Palestinian people in compliance with pertinent United Nations treaties is the loudest demand.

The leader of Hamas mission to the Beijing Dialogue announced that Hamas was prepared to put the Beijing Declaration into effect. In order to accomplish Palestinian national collaboration, Hamas delegate also emphasized the need to fortify inter-factional cooperation and move the reconciliation endeavor forward. “China is a light”, according to Fatah organization deputy chairman, and its initiatives to foster peace between Palestinian groups are unique on the global scene. It is an amazing accomplishment, said the special envoy of the European Union for the Middle East Peace Project.

The UN representative emphasized further that China’s beneficial and helpful involvement in the regional negotiations is completely reflected by the outcome.

Building trust, moving forward steadily, and making little steps forward are essential to the Palestinian peace project. The project will only result in increasing cohesion and meaningful development if constant attempts are made to forge agreement and carry it onto action. Beijing and the regional countries are heading in a similar way toward rapprochement.

The Gaza crisis is still ongoing, and its effects are becoming more widespread. There are connections between some regional wars. China offers a three-phase plan to assist in resolving the present dispute and situation.