Boy rescued from Middle East conflict

Naseem (second right) is home with his grandparents

A five-year-old boy has been rescued from the war-torn Middle East by his Welsh grandfather.

Naseem was trapped with his parents and younger brother in Bethlehem, where Israeli troops have been involved in clashes with Palestinians.

The situation remained tense in Bethlehem

His grandfather John Gibby, from Abercarn near Newport, remained concerned for the safety of the rest of the family.

His daughter and her Palestinian husband, who carry out charity work, remained in Bethlehem with Naseem's one-year-old brother Nathan.

The family, like many others, have suffered shortages of food and water following the restrictions and curfews introduced by the Israeli authorities.

Naseem's parents were so concerned at the effect the crisis was having on him, they tried every means to get him out of the country.

Eventually, his grandfather was allowed to travel to Bethlehem under the protection of the British Consul to rescue him on Sunday.

Naseem is settling into life in Wales

Mr Gibby said: "We were able to get through the checkpoint without any problems at Beit Jalah, and were able to drive down into Bethlehem.

"The route out was very congested because people were frantically in the centre of Beit Zahour trying to buy supplies."

As Naseem settled into life in south Wales, his grandparents remained in contact with their daughter.

Together with the British authorities, they continued their attempts to negotiate the release of the rest of the family.