AN Alresford woman is hoping to help prevent human rights violations after setting off to Palestine this month.

Miranda Pinch has been warned that she could be the victim of teargas attacks, stone throwing and intimidation, during her three-month trip to the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

But the 58-year-old mum-oftwo is fulfilling a lifetime ambition to travel to the war-torn country to help villagers suffering from intimidation and attacks.

Mrs Pinch, who was born Jewish but is now a practising Christian, of Downgate, said: “It’s something that I have wanted to do for a long time and feel very passionate about.

“My mother was Jewish and she was always very upset by what the Jews were doing in Palestine, and that the Palestinians were being treated very badly.

“I feel very strongly about the human rights side of that and how international law is being broken. But by sending ordinary people like myself it helps to raise awareness.”

The Hampshire County Council social worker is taking unpaid leave from her job to take part in the trip that has been organised by the World Council of Churches.

She said: “We are not just pro- Palestinian. What we are there for is to try and prevent human rights being violated. Where we can help, we will.

“We will stand by the Palestinians going through the check points when they go to farm their land and help them get to school and work.

“If their houses are being demolished we can’t stop them but we will stand with them.”

She will be working with around 24 other people from several other countries during her stay, but admits there are aspects she is worried about.

She added: “We’ve been told we are unlikely to avoid being hit by stones from both sides.

We also have to read a book called Staying Alive.

“We don’t have any means of defence. But it’s a peaceful mission and we are also there to support Israeli peace groups.”

Mrs Pinch will return home on January 15. On her return she will be speaking about her experience at Winchester