Palestinian security men and Mr Jospin's bodyguards attempted to protect him with a briefcase-like bullet-proof shield, as the stones rained down.

The French prime minister had been giving a speech at Bir Zeit University, in the West Bank town of Ramallah.

The security officials managed to shepherd him to the waiting limousine provided by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Even as the car tried to manoeuvre its way out of the angry crowd, the stones kept coming.

Some protesters kicked the vehicle.

Others jumped on top it as security men tried to get them off.

The limousine eventually left with a slightly injured French prime minister.

Mr Jospin cancelled a planned tour of a refugee camp in Gaza and instead visited Mr Arafat in his office, where they held a press conference.