Palestinian thaw (Edit1)

China is back with a bang in the Middle East. For the first time in its Communist politburo history, it has brokered reconciliation among political entities, while directing them to hold elections for an interim national government to manage the upheavals in occupied Palestinian territories. This is quite unconventional of the Chinese to interfere in internal affairs, but its surging role in world affairs is making its presence felt in Afghanistan, and now in Palestine.

The first of its kind agreement has, at least, brought Hamas and Fatah on the table and drawn the realisation that unity is the way to go for salvaging a nation under Israeli yoke. Notwithstanding sceptics, who do not see the accord holding ground for long, the fact that the Palestinian leadership was seen huddling across the table in Beijing must have sent shivers down the spine in Washington as another of its forte is now under Red Dragon’s mediation.

The political consensus comes with China’s endorsement for a “comprehensive, lasting and sustainable cease-fire”, and for the convening of an international peace conference to work toward a two-state solution. This development is closely being read on the lines of a similar thaw brokered between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which had seen sectarian conflict take a nosedive and regionalism strengthened. Perhaps that is why Israel had rejected any rapprochement that brings Hamas to center stage with the ruling Palestinian Authority, and undermines the US influence in the region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s mediation is making vibes, as this understanding has come at a critical juncture. All of the US-brokered peace instruments had to bite the dust as they were biased and Tel Aviv-tilted, and Washington with the exit of President Biden from the presidential race is not in an assertive position. Moreover, the secrecy with which Beijing was able to present Fatah and Hamas leadership on the podium had outclassed the hyped photo-op of Oslo and Abraham Accords.

The fine-print of the deal is the lifeline of future semblance, and it is mandatory on the Palestinian leadership to walk the talk at this point of existential crisis.