Palestinian Unity Talks in China: A Step Towards Reconciliation?

Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, plan to hold unity talks in China in July to address longstanding political splits. The meetings follow rising tensions over Hamas' conflict with Israel. Efforts by Arab nations, primarily Egypt, have previously failed to resolve power-sharing disputes between the two groups, which have been ongoing since 2007.

Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, are set to hold unity talks in China this July, aiming to resolve deep-seated political divisions, according to senior officials from both factions.

The upcoming discussions follow an earlier meeting in April and come amid heightened tensions over Hamas' ongoing war with Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized Hamas for its actions, while Hamas has accused Abbas of siding with Israel.

Despite efforts led by Egypt since 2007, the power-sharing disputes between Hamas, governing Gaza, and Fatah, which is central to the Palestinian Authority, have persisted.

(With inputs from agencies.)