Hamas representatives in Algeria for discussions on mending Fatah tensions

Algeria is hosting representatives from the Palestinian Hamas movement while discussions are held on settling the differences between two competing national factions, Gaza's rulers said.

The discussions were revealed by Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria's president, in December as an attempt to mend Hamas' longstanding tensions with Fatah, the main political faction in the West Bank.

Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua, a Hamas spokesperson, said on Tuesday that his organisation was thankful for "Algeria's role in supporting the Palestinian cause, hosting the Palestinian factions, and its keenness to achieve reconciliation".

He also explained Hamas' representatives met Algerian figures to discuss bringing Palestinian factions together.

Mohammed Othman – who represents Hamas in Algeria – in addition to Khalil Al-Hayya and Hussam Badran were among those who present in the meetings.

Officials representing Fatah, a party led by Palestinian President Mahmous Abbas, arrived in Algeria to meet with Algerian officials on Saturday.

The two sides have been at loggerheads since Hamas took power in Gaza in 2007, after it won the Palestinian elections the year before.