Historic deal in Beijing: Palestinian factions unite after 17 years

A total of 14 Palestinian groups have reached an agreement to "end divisions" and "strengthen unity." The document was signed in Beijing. China organized the summit, which aimed to resolve disputes among Palestinian organizations.

Talks were intended to include 14 groups, among them the Fatah movement that governs the West Bank and the militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Representatives of the Palestinian groups also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, CCTV reported on social media.

Both major groups, Fatah and Hamas, had previously met in China in April. Reuters noted that the Chinese government facilitated these talks to reach an agreement that would end the 17-year conflict among Palestinians. Ultimately, the discussions lasted for several days.

The two main Palestinian factions have conflicted since Hamas won the parliamentary elections in 2006 and seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 following a brief civil war, during which they defeated the Western-backed Palestinian forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Sky News highlights.

Efforts made since 2007 by Arab countries, led by Egypt, have yet to succeed in resolving the power struggle between Hamas, which governs Gaza, and the Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas.

President Abbas has openly criticized Hamas for its conflict with Israel, while the militant organization in Gaza has accused him of siding with Israel.