A PEACE campaigner who was moments from death has vowed to remain on the Gaza strip despite the death of a fellow activis.

Alice Coy, aged 27, was one of several Westerners trying to stop Palestinian homes being destroyed by Israeli forces when a tank crushed her friend, American Rachel Corrie, earlier this week.

Alice narrowly escaped the same fate when the tank's tracks missed her by inches.

In an email to her mother, Glynis, on Wednesday, the former Malvern Girls College student explained why she had to stay in the troubled area, which is being targeted by Israeli troops as a claimed refuge for the terrorists who have planted bombs in Israeli cities in recent months.

"The truth must not be ignored because it is unpleasant," Alice said.

"I am scared but it is something I have to do."

Mrs Coy, from Worcester Road, Malvern, said her daughter was extremely tired but determined to remain.

"Of course I would love to have her home," Mrs Coy said.

"But I know she would not be happy unless she does what she feels is right. She is an amazing woman and I am very proud."