ISRAELI soldiers have arrested a York student protesting against the occupation of Palestine.

Ed Lewis, 20, a politics student at the University of York, was among more than 40 people detained while attempting to block the demolition of a home near the village of Mas'ha.

The demolition was part of work on a "security wall" being built between Palestine and Israel.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "I can confirm that early on Tuesday six British citizens were arrested, and released early on Wednesday.

"They were part of a group of 40 or so international activists protesting against the demolition of a building as part of the erection of the Palestine wall.

"They haven't been charged with anything and there are no plans for deportation. They were offered consular assistance, but I think they went through their activist organisation."

Mr Lewis was in the Palestinian territories as a member of the International Solidarity Movement, an activist group working to raise awareness of the Israeli occupation.

He had been active in York-based demonstrations organised by York Students Against the War. Group members have supported his Palestinian activities through financial donations.

Friend and fellow student Rory Palmer said: "Ed is one of the most energetic activists among York's students and this will intensify his commitment.

"It will probably also motivate other people to go out there and join the protest."

The house that the protesters had been attempting to protect was demolished after their arrest.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, August 07, 2003