HAMAS AND FATAH AGREEMENT

Why in the news?

  • Hamas and Fatah signed a declaration in Beijing to end their long-standing rift and strengthen Palestinian unity.
  • They pledged to form a unity government and commit to creating a Palestinian state on lands captured by Israel in the 1967 war.
  • The agreement highlights China’s growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy and follows talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

About Hamas and Fatah Conflict:

  • Fatah: Largest faction of PLO; led by Yasser Arafat.
  • Hamas: Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist group; won 2006 elections.
  • Conflict: Fatah controls the West Bank; Hamas dominates Gaza.
  • Disagreement: Fatah prefers peace processes; Hamas supports violence.
  • Historical Tensions: Hamas opposed PLO’s peace talks and Oslo Accord.
HAMAS AND FATAH AGREEMENT - UPSCSource:wordpress
About Formation of Palestine Liberation Organization(PLO) (1964):

  • Established: in May 1964 during the first Palestinian Congress.

Objectives:

  • Liberation of Palestine via armed struggle (Fatah guerrilla operations).
  • Establishment of an independent Palestinian state within 1947 UN Partition Plan borders.
  • Rejection of the Balfour Declaration.

Key Leaders:

  • Ahmed Shukeiri: First chairman.
  • Yasser Arafat: Chairman of the PLO’s Executive Committee in 1969.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/isreal-palestine/