Woman fears for safety in Palestine

Israeli soldiers are searching homes in Bethlehem

A Welsh woman working for a Christian charity in Palestine is considering leaving the country with her two young sons.

When you see Palestinian policemen practically being executed, that is quite shocking to see

Sarah, charity worker in Bethlehem

Sarah, who does not want to disclose her surname, runs a day centre for children with special needs near Bethlehem with her Palestinian husband.

The Newport-born charity worker said the situation was now more dangerous than at any other time during her 13 years living in the West Bank.

But she said she would need the support of the British consul to leave the country, as the Israeli authorities considered her to be Palestinian.

Committed Christian

Sarah, 31, began working with the long-standing Christian community in Bethlehem at the age of 18.

She and her husband are supported in their work by a Christian charitable trust based in the UK.

At first they ran a residential home for children with disabilities and behavioural problems, but it was forced to close during the Palestinian uprising of 2000.

The couple now run a day care centre, looking after 12 young people with the assistance of two local staff.

Speaking to BBC radio, Sarah said their Christian status did not earn them any respite from the conflict.

"The home here that my husband and I run is a Christian evangelical home," she said.

"It would be nice if people remembered the population of Christians that are also here in Bethlehem - it's a very fearful time for them."

Safety fears

Although they had not come under direct attack themselves, Sarah said life was becoming increasingly difficult.

Residents were stocking up on food and supplies, and Israeli tanks were patrolling ever closer to their home, prompting fears of an attack.

Sarah may take her children out of the country

"What is going on in other towns is unnerving - when you see Palestinian policemen practically being executed, that is quite shocking to see," she added.

Sarah revealed she was in discussion with the British consul about the possibility of fleeing to safety with her two sons.

But although she and the boys have British citizenship, she said their Palestinian residency could result in problems.

"The Israeli authorities see me as a Palestinian, although I still have British citizenship," she explained.

"If I did get up and leave, it would have to be under the support of the British consul - I could not do it by myself."

Family support

Sarah's parents in south Wales have been in regular contact with the family, but they are becoming increasingly concerned.

Her father John, a preacher who knows the area and supports the charity, said Sarah would not take risks with her safety.

"For the moment, she might be safer just staying in the house rather than run the gauntlet of the military operation," he said.

But he added that Sarah would want to stay in Bethlehem as long as she could to continue her work.

"We're committed Christians, we believe in the will of God, and God gives us peace."