British protesters are trapped by army's refusal to let cars through

More than 30 British peace protesters were trapped in Bethlehem and West Bank refugee camps yesterday after the Israeli army refused to let consular officials through military checkpoints.

The group, including the comedian Jeremy Hardy and the author Nicholas Blincoe, travelled to the West Bank before Easter to join non-violent demonstrations against Israel's occupation. The protests were co-ordinated by the International Solidarity Movement, which organised a march on Monday at which four Britons were wounded by shrapnel after Israeli troops fired warning shots. The injured included James Budd, 59, of Essex, and Kunle Ibidun, 30, of Bristol, who were both hit in the face by ammunition fragments. Mr Ibidun is now trying to return home because of the death of his father.

The Britons are spread between the Dheisheh, Azza and Ayda refugee camps, and the Star Hotel in Bethlehem, which a small group, including Mr Hardy and Mr Ibidun, tried to leave yesterday.