BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Hamas security forces briefly detained Fatah's spokesman in Gaza on Sunday, a Fatah official said.

Fayez Abu Aita was detained by Hamas forces for four hours, Fatah's West Bank-based spokesman Ahmad Assaf said in a statement.

Abu Aita was arrested after making remarks about national reconciliation and elections, Fatah said. Hamas is refusing to hold elections in Gaza despite agreeing to a vote in the reconciliation treaty it signed with Fatah.

Assaf said Abu Aita's arrest showed an escalating crackdown on Fatah activists and confirmed Hamas' efforts to thwart all efforts for national unity.

Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since ousting Fatah from the enclave amid deadly battles in 2007.