A Palestinian rights group says Gaza's Hamas rulers have detained six journalists suspected of affiliation to a rival group, Fatah.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights said Wednesday that Hamas security forces seized the men and their equipment over the past two days.

The group said the detentions were part of a wider arrest sweep this week of two dozen suspected Fatah loyalists.

Hamas expelled Fatah members in 2007 and took control of Gaza. Fatah is headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The arrests could undermine reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah. While both groups routinely crack down on rivals, it's unusual for six reporters to be picked up in one sweep.

Gaza's Interior Ministry the arrested men were suspected of sabotaging "communal peace."