In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, China has facilitated the “Beijing Declaration,” a key development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This agreement, which brings together 14 Palestinian political factions, signifies a major step towards Palestinian unity and a revitalized push for peace. Unlike previous agreements, the Beijing Declaration offers a genuinely transformative potential, representing a substantial shift in the dynamics of conflict resolution.
By Herta Manenti
Signed on July 25, 2024, the Beijing Declaration marks a historic moment for Palestinian reconciliation. For the first time, a broad spectrum of Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, have agreed to end their internal divisions and work towards common goals. This unity is crucial. In the past, the fragmentation among Palestinian groups has been a significant barrier to effective negotiation and peacebuilding. A unified Palestinian front, as facilitated by this declaration, strengthens the Palestinians’ negotiating position and provides a more coherent platform for advocating their rights and aspirations.
Chinese diplomacy’s role in this process is a strategic shift in its foreign policy, showcasing its growing influence in international diplomacy. Traditionally, China has maintained a low profile in Middle Eastern affairs, focusing more on economic interests. However, the Beijing Declaration signals a more proactive approach. By positioning itself as a neutral mediator, China has managed to gain the trust of various Palestinian factions and international stakeholders, a feat that Western powers have struggled to achieve due to their perceived biases.
The declaration itself reaffirms the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This is in line with the long-standing international consensus and numerous UN resolutions. By supporting this framework, China aligns its diplomatic efforts with international law, particularly the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has deemed Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories illegal. This legal backing enhances the legitimacy of the Beijing Declaration and underscores the necessity of adhering to international legal standards in the peace process.
Moreover, the declaration emphasizes the urgent need to lift the siege on Gaza and the West Bank, ensuring unrestricted humanitarian and medical aid. The humanitarian crisis in these regions is dire, with blockades severely restricting access to essential goods and services. By prioritizing humanitarian assistance, the declaration addresses immediate needs and underscores the broader goal of alleviating Palestinian suffering as a step towards long-term peace.
No, this is not like other agreements. The Beijing Declaration stands apart due to several unique aspects:
- Inclusive Representation: Previous agreements often involved limited factions or were restricted to specific regions. In contrast, the Beijing Declaration includes 14 major Palestinian political factions, ensuring broad representation and legitimacy. This inclusivity enhances the agreement’s potential for success as it reflects a collective will across a wide political spectrum.
- Balanced Mediation: The role of China as a neutral mediator is a significant departure from the traditionally Western-dominated peace processes. China’s involvement brings a fresh perspective and a balanced approach, gaining the trust of various stakeholders. This balanced mediation is critical for fostering genuine dialogue and cooperation.
- Alignment with International Law: The Beijing Declaration is firmly rooted in international legal standards, particularly the ICJ rulings on the illegality of Israeli settlements. This alignment provides a strong legal foundation for the agreement, enhancing its credibility and enforceability.
- Multilateral Support: Unlike past efforts that were often unilateral or limited in scope, the Beijing Declaration enjoys broad international support from countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Russia. This multilateral backing is crucial for ensuring the agreement’s implementation and sustainability.
China’s diplomatic strategy also reflects a broader geopolitical shift towards a multipolar world order. Unlike previous efforts dominated by Western powers, the Beijing Declaration benefits from a multilateral approach, involving support from various international partners. This collective effort enhances the declaration’s credibility and potential impact, demonstrating that a balanced and inclusive approach to mediation can yield significant results.
The alignment of the Beijing Declaration with ICJ rulings on the illegality of Israeli settlements further strengthens its position. The ICJ has consistently upheld the rights of Palestinians to self-determination and statehood, reinforcing the principles of international law that underpin the two-state solution. By advocating for these principles, the declaration not only legitimizes Palestinian claims but also pressures Israel to comply with international norms.
Countries that endorse the two-state solution and respect international law should actively support the Beijing Declaration. Failure to do so could be perceived as tacitly endorsing actions that may constitute war crimes or genocide. The declaration’s call for a ceasefire and negotiations aligns with the international legal framework, making it a moral and legal imperative for the global community to back this initiative. The silence around this major diplomatic success may indicate its importance and how it gives trouble to the Western double-standard community. This reluctance to acknowledge the declaration’s significance underscores the need for a more balanced and equitable approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Beijing Declaration, facilitated by Chinese diplomacy, represents a historical turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By fostering unprecedented Palestinian unity, promoting adherence to international law, and leveraging a multipolar diplomatic approach, this initiative has the potential to break the long-standing impasse and pave the way for a sustainable peace. The international community must seize this opportunity to support and build upon this diplomatic breakthrough, ensuring that the humanitarian and legal rights of the Palestinian people are upheld and that a just resolution to the conflict is achieved.
