Terrorist organisation Hamas has held its first rally in the West Bank in five years.

Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of Nablus in the north of the territory on Thursday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas.

Relations between Fatah and Hamas have been poor since antagonism erupted in 2007 and Hamas was elected in Gaza. However this rally, coupled with Fatah members attending rallies in Gaza last weekend suggested that relations are thawing.

Green banners were hung and models of rockets waved by the crowds to celebrate what Hamas perceive as a victory against Israel in Operation Pillar of Defence.

Muhammad Shtayyeh, a member of Fatah's central committee and an adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said: "Because Hamas believes that they have won the battle of Gaza and we believe that we have won the U.N. vote, you have two winning parties, and when you have two winning parties, they have more ability to compromise.”