Quarter of Guantanamo Bay inmates being force-fed

The number of hunger-striking Guantanamo detainees being force-fed by military medical teams has jumped to 41 and now makes up a quarter of the US-run camp's prisoner population.

The new figures reveal a continued deterioration of conditions at the camp, with the hunger strike by many of the 166 detainees entering a fourth month amid little sign of it ending.

In all, 103 inmates are now on hunger strike, with four in hospital. The number being force-fed was 31 on the eve of a speech by US President Barack Obama last month in which he promised to work towards closing the base and allowing the release of many of the 86 inmates held there who have been cleared for transfer.

Yet, despite the warm reception for that speech, the hunger strike continues to increase in scope as more detainees end up being force-fed via nose tubes into their stomachs.

"The hunger strike grows for two reasons - the military's refusal to negotiate with the men in a productive way and because the president has taken no action in spite of his words," said Carlos Warner, a lawyer who represents several of the detainees on strike.

The protest began in February after a search of cells by guards turned up contraband but also led to accusations of heavy-handedness. The strike grew rapidly, creating global headlines and focusing a spotlight on the inmates' plight. Many, including those cleared for release, have been detained without trial for more than a decade.