The methods of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) are part of an intense debate brought to light by recent arrests of the group's members in the West Bank, including one Penn State student.

Spokesperson Huwaida Arraf, founder and organizer for the ISM, said its message is to end the occupation of the West Bank by the Israeli army.

"You can't have peace when there is injustice and occupation and apartheid," she said.

The ISM is a pro-Palestinian group formed in 2001 and has support groups all over the country. The ISM recognizes the Palestinian right to resist Israeli violence and occupation via "legitimate armed struggle," according to their Web site. The ISM says they are committed to non-violent resistance.

In March, the group received publicity when a college student and member of ISM from Washington state was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while she protested house demolition in the Gaza Strip.

The group also gained media attention in May when members admitted that they had tea with two Britons later involved in a Tel Aviv suicide bombing, but they said they weren't aware of the assailants' intentions.

Members and supporters defend the group in the face of accusations that it supports terrorists.

"Palestinians get shot on a daily basis. They are scared to go to non-violent protests. Internationals encourage the Palestinians to speak out," said Robert Capowski, brother of Bill Capowski, the Penn State student recently detained by Israelis for his involvement in a non-violent protest.

"The ISM is two or three people with cell phones," Capowski said. "It is a movement."

In March, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported a senior member of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin was arrested while hiding in the offices of the ISM.

The ministry noted that it was not the first time terrorists used offices and property of international and humanitarian organizations to carryout terror attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Meredith Knofsky (senior-premedicine) said she supports the Palestinian need for a state but that different groups may be going about it the wrong way.

"It is hard to understand how the land could be broken up peacefully," she said.

She said she would not support the ISM if they supported terrorists or terrorism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.