A spokesman for Islamic Hamas movement said on Thursday that more time is needed in Cairo for inter-Palestinian dialogue to reach an agreement.

"There are important and big issues that need more time and effort to overcome," said spokesman Ismail Radwan.

The factions headed for Cairo for the second round of unity talks where they will try to settle the program of the unity government they agreed on forming in the first round of the talks two weeks ago.

Among the other issues are the electoral law and the reference of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in the transitional period.

Radwan expected the formation of the hard-line Israeli government and the indications it signaled against the peace process with the Palestinians "would boost the suitable atmosphere for reaching Palestinian unity" in response.

Fatah wants the unity government to recognize the peace deals between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) but Hamas firmly rejects.