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 latest friction in negotiations comes as the fighting nears 20 months of war and as desperation grows among hungry Palestinians and relatives of hostages in Gaza