BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- A group of protesters demonstrated outside the entrance to Maale Adumim settlement on Sunday in support of prisoners on hunger strike, a local committee said.

Dozens of local, international and Israeli activists carried Palestinian flags and signs in support of prisoners at the entrance to the East Jerusalem settlement, blocking settlers from entering the area.

Israeli border police arrived at the scene and arrested Saed Yaqin and Issam Marar, a popular committee spokesman in Jerusalem said.

The protest was organized to protest settlement activity, settler violence and violations against prisoners.

An Israeli border police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Rights groups say around 2,000 prisoners are on hunger strike to demand improved conditions in Israeli jails.

Around 40,000 settlers live in Maale Adumim, making it one of the largest settlements in the West Bank.