The visits on Monday night were the first that the Gaza-based Hamas has permitted any member of Fatah, the party of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, and comes as the two parties trade accusations over the treatment of detainees.

The Hamas-run interior ministry in the Gaza Strip said Fatah lawmaker Ashraf Jomaa visited several prisons, including Gaza Central Prison, accompanied by Hamas member Ismail al-Ashqar.

Ashqar said Jomaa was able to meet with prisoners being held on criminal and security charges and ensure that none of them are on hunger strike.

He said the visit was intended to refute all the allegations and lies that are being spread by Fatah as the rival factions accuse each other of mistreating detainees.