Hamas and Fatah Sign Unity Government Pact

Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have signed a declaration in Beijing to form a unity government, marking a renewed attempt to reconcile their long-standing rivalry amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The agreement, celebrated by both parties, lacks specific guarantees or a timeline for implementation, raising skepticism about its effectiveness. Israel has condemned the pact, and both the U.S. and other Western nations have stated they will not accept a government including Hamas unless it recognizes Israel. The declaration outlines intentions to create a temporary national unity government that would manage Palestinian affairs and prepare for general elections, while also asserting the illegality of settlement expansions. This development comes after previous reconciliation efforts by Arab nations have failed, leading many to question whether this agreement can change the political landscape on the ground. Experts suggest that while there is potential for progress, the absence of a concrete implementation plan diminishes its viability.