We write to express our concern for our fellow students and other British citizens confined within the militarised zones in the Palestinian Authority.

Seven Sussex students are still unable to leave Ramallah.

Their requests for release on humanitarian grounds have been denied by the Israeli authorities.

We understand the British Consulate in Jerusalem has attempted to meet the students but access has been denied.

We urge the Government to do everything in its power to ensure the safe passage of these British subjects out of Israel.

They are on a peaceful delegation with the intention of gathering first-hand information about current events and to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Furthermore, we demand the British Government pursues the following: The immediate withdrawal of the Israeli army from the occupied territories, in line with United Nations Resolution 1402; the resumption of peace negotiations in the area; that international observers and journalists be given the right to free access in the militarised zones; that an international peace force be immediately sent to the occupied territories to stop the massacre of the Palestinian population; that EU representatives be allowed to meet Yasser Arafat.

We suggest the Government threatens to suspend all commercial and diplomatic relations with Israel if it does not comply with these demands, as the Belgian government has already done.

-Members of the University of Sussex Students' Union