Hamas and Fatah sign declaration in Beijing on ending year long rift

Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration in Beijing on ending a years long rift, Chinese state media said Tuesday, taking a step toward potentially resolving the deep divide between the sides as the war in Gaza rages on.

The declaration is the result of the latest in a series of talks meant to unite the sides. Previous declarations have failed, casting doubt over whether the China-sponsored negotiations might actually lead to a resolution.

It comes as Israel and Hamas are weighing an internationally backed cease-fire proposal that would wind down the nine-month war and free dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. But even after a deal is signed, the vision for a postwar Gaza remains in doubt, with Israel vehemently opposed to any role by Hamas in governing Gaza.

Since the current war broke out in Gaza, Hamas officials have said that the party does not want to return to ruling Gaza as it did before the conflict, and the group has called for formation of a government of technocrats to be agreed upon by the various Palestinian factions, which would prepare the way for elections for both Gaza and the West Bank, with the intention of forming a unified government.

The two groups signed the Beijing Declaration on "ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity," according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The two rival Palestinian groups, along with 12 other political factions, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, concluding talks that started Sunday, according CCTV.

A joint statement issued after the most recent talks in Beijing gave no details on how or when the government would be formed, saying only that it would be done "by agreement among the factions.”"

Fatah and Hamas have been rivals since Hamas violently routed forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah in Gaza in 2007, taking over the impoverished coastal enclave. The Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, headed by Abbas, administers parts of the occupied West Bank. It is widely viewed by the Palestinian public as corrupt, out of touch, and a subcontractor for Israel because of their joint security coordination