The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced a meeting with representatives of Fatah and Hamas to address the division on the Palestinian street and work towards national harmony. Both parties expressed a desire to achieve reconciliation through negotiations and have agreed to continue meetings in the future. Representatives from both delegations also expressed gratitude to China for supporting the Palestinian people and their national aspirations.

This marks the first visit to China by a Hamas delegation since the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Official Beijing aims to leverage the conflict in the Gaza Strip to expand its influence in the Middle East region. The meeting with Fatah and Hamas signals China’s interest in playing a role in mediating the Palestinian conflict and fostering peace in the region. By engaging with these key Palestinian factions, China is positioning itself as a potential mediator and influencer in the Middle East.