Rivals Hamas and Fatah sign a declaration to form a future government as war rages in Gaza

Associated Press

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah have agreed to form a government together. The two groups made the announcement Tuesday in Beijing after China-sponsored talks. It was the latest attempt at resolving a longstanding rivalry that looms over any potential vision for the rule of Gaza after the war with Israel. Previous similar declarations have failed, raising doubts about whether the negotiations in China might lead to reconciliation. Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip for 17 years. Fatah is the main force in the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority that administers parts of the occupied West Bank. The two groups gave no details on how or when the government would be formed.