Hamas security arrested dozens of supporters of the rival Fatah group early Saturday, Fatah said, a day after a mysterious beachside blast killed five Hamas members and a 6-year-old girl. The explosion went off in a car parked near a crowded Gaza City beach. Hamas said a group of Hamas activists was picnicking on the beach. Three Hamas members, including a field commander, and the girl were killed immediately. Hospital officials said two more Hamas activists died of injuries Saturday and 15 people were wounded.

If the blast targeted Hamas activists, it would be the deadliest such attack since the Islamic militants ousted Fatah-allied security forces from Gaza in a violent takeover more than a year ago.

One Fatah member, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said at least 40 of the group's supporters were rounded up early Saturday.

Gaza's Hamas government did not accuse Fatah directly of involvement, but was to meet Saturday to discuss the incident.

The Hamas movement suggested the attack was politically motivated.

"Everyone should understand that political freedom is guaranteed in the Gaza Strip but that criminal action is prohibited," a Hamas statement said. "These crimes cannot pass. We will deter the criminals with strong punishment."

Friday's beachside explosion was the third of the day.

The first went off outside the Al Jazera cafe, killing the assailant and wounding three people. The cafe had been hit twice before this year, presumably by hardline Muslims who target record shops and other businesses seen as symbols of Western influence.

Later, a bomb exploded outside the house of a Hamas lawmaker, Marwan Abu Ras, causing some damage, but no injuries. A Fatah activist was arrested as a suspect.

During the past year of Hamas rule, several bombs have struck Hamas targets in what the Islamic militants believe are attempts by Fatah to try to destabilize the situation in Gaza. Assailants have also attacked music shops and Internet cafes, presumably targeting them as signs of Western encroachment.

Written By IBRAHIM BARZAK

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