Numerous attempts have been made to mend the Fatah-Hamas rivalry, including a dialogue hosted last June among Palestinian factions hosted by China, though without a breakthrough. Hamas today remains the most dominant group in Gaza, though a number of other influential factions continue to operate there.

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,