A representative of a left-wing faction fighting alongside the Islamist Hamas movement in Gaza has told Newsweek his group is open to a temporary ceasefire in their war with Israel and called for greater efforts to establish a unity government among different Palestinian parties.

Lead Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya made the announcement in a televised speech on Thursday. Late last month, Israel and Hamas appeared to be making progress following discussions mediated by Qatar,

The group was ready to engage in a new round of ceasefire talks, and communication with mediating countries was ongoing, he added. The latest U.S. proposal was came via President Donald Trump's special envoy,