Israeli troops today detained 47 international and Israeli activists who tried to block construction of a controversial security barrier being built on Palestinian land.
The pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement said it held a sit-in protest at Masha village near Qalqilya in the West Bank to prevent the barrier - part wall and part fence with razor wire - cutting into a Palestinian family's property.
Israel says the barrier is needed to keep out suicidebombers who have killed hundreds of its citizens during the 34-month-old Palestinian uprising for independence.
Palestinians call the project a land grab that prejudgesfinal borders to be decided under a US-backed "road map" topeace.
An Israeli military spokesman said the activists weredetained after they ignored the army's orders to leave the area.
The International Solidarity Movement said the groupincluded 41 foreigners and six Israelis. The police said Israel's Interior Ministry would consider deporting the foreigners.
