BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A spat between Hamas officials in Gaza and Damascus "is behind our backs," Hamas politburo Osama Hamdan told Ma'an on Thursday.

Speaking with Ma'an Radio, the official commented on a slew of comments that went back and forth from Hamas leader in exile Khalid Mash'al and party leader in Gaza Mahmoud Az-Zahhar, over comments the Mash'al made during the signing of a unity accord with Fatah leaders in Egypt on 4 May.

The leader in exile had given Hamas approval for peace talks top continue under Fatah and PLO auspices, as the unity agreement was implemented and the PLO restructured.

Az-Zahhar made statements shortly after the speech saying Mash'ah did not have the authority to speak for Hamas, a statement refuted by leaders in Damascus.

The feud, quelled as talks between factions continued on setting out a government continued with Egyptian mediation.

"The politburo met in Damascus confirmed that Mash'al's statements represent the party," Hamdan told Ma'an.