The move is being seen as a pressure tactic following the failed attempt to secure the release of Israel's abducted soldier Gilad Shalit.

Nasser Shaer, a former Palestinian deputy Prime Minister is also among the detainees. He and and several Hamas legislators have been detained, senior officials in Gaza said.

Israel has confirmed the arrest of 10 Hamas leaders but decline to provide further details.

“Leading members of the terror organisation were arrested in a joint Israel Defence Forces and Internal Security Agency operation in the area last night. Among the wanted men were four Hamas legislative council members”, a statement released here said.

“These men have been the leaders of the ongoing effort to restore the administrative branch of the Hamas terror organisation in the region, while attempting to strengthen the power and influence of Hamas,” it said.

The men have been taken for questioning by the Israeli security forces.