HEBRON (Ma'an) -- Fatah on Sunday called on Hamas to announce whether it will allow a Fatah festival in Gaza City's main square.

Fatah spokesman Usama al-Qawasmi criticized Hamas for not granting Fatah permission to use al-Katiba square for its 48th anniversary celebrations on Jan. 1.

Hamas has agreed to let Fatah celebrate its 48th anniversary in the Gaza Strip, but says it is still deciding where the festival will be held.

Fatah is insisting on holding the celebrations in al-Katiba square, where other factions usually hold rallies.

Al-Qawasmi said in a statement that Hamas' position sent a negative message about reconciliation, noting that the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority allowed Hamas to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the West Bank without any restrictions earlier in December.