EL-ARISH, Egypt (Ma'an) -- Egyptian authorities in North Sinai on Monday detained two men suspected of killing a Palestinian activist affiliated to the Fatah movement, officials said.

Jamal Madhi, 44, a Palestinian merchant affiliated to Fatah, was found dead in November in his apartment by the beach in el-Arish. He died of multiple stab wounds.

Detectives in Sinai say they have the suspects' confessions, a Ma'an reporter said.

Police referred to the suspects by their initials, M.M. and H.S. They live in el-Arish, and had criminal records, according to security officials.

A handgun was found in the suspects' apartment and they allegedly told interrogators they stabbed Madhi after robbing him of 26 Egyptian pounds ($4).