Beijing's mediation hailed as key to ending Gaza conflict

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (centre) looking on during the signing of the "Beijing declaration" at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on July 23, 2024. - AFP

BEIJING: The signing of a declaration in Beijing by representatives of Palestinian factions has been broadly hailed as an "exceptional success" in China's diplomatic efforts to create conditions for ending the protracted conflict in the Gaza Strip and promoting regional peace.

The declaration on ending division and strengthening unity was signed on Tuesday (July 23)after three days of reconciliation talks among 14 Palestinian factions, including rivals Hamas and Fatah.