Israeli forces violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration against the separation wall and land confiscation on Friday, near the village of Umm Salamouna, south of Bethlehem.

Eyewitnesses reported that about 80 demonstrators were participating in the solidarity march, when Israeli troops attempted to prevent them from passing close to the Israeli settlement of Efrat.

Israeli troops attacked photographers and journalists, arresting Television cameramen, Muhammad Abu Ghaniyah and Iyad Hamad, who work for Associated Press Television and Reuters, holding them for more than three hours.

Many protestors were beaten and two foreign activists were also arrested.

Spokesman for the Defense of Land centre Mohammad Brieggi said that the soldiers used excessive force to disperse the march.

The demonstrators blocked the street leading to the settlement of Efrat, where various speakers addressed the crowds on the right of Palestinians to their land.

In a statement, the Foreign Press Association condemned the harassment of journalists by Israeli forces.

"The two cameramen were accused by the IDF of participating in the demonstration and obstructing Israeli troops. The available video material of this incident casts serious doubt on the IDF accusations and shows both men attempting to do their legitimate work of covering the news," the statement said.

"We urge the relevant authorities to allow journalists to cover these sorts of events without interference," the statement added.

This is the latest in a series of incidents in which journalists have been obstructed, and in some cases injured, trying to cover these kinds of demonstrations.

"The construction of the barrier remains an important story and coverage of demonstrations against is entirely legitimate," the statement said.