Bianca Zammit, the Maltese human rights activist shot in Gaza on Saturday, was released from hospital this morning but does not intend returning to Malta.

"She has to stay at her home for rest for 15 days," her father Joe Zammit told timesofmalta.com .

Ms Zammit, 28, was shot in the leg by Israeli forces as she filmed a protest by Palestinians in a security zone. The bullet went through a muscle in one of her legs but caused no permanent harm.

Mr Zammit said that his daughter was initially discharged yesterday but doctors asked her to return for observation and kept her overnight.

She is now being cared for by her Palestinian neighbours, who cook her food and cater for her needs.

Mr Zammit reiterated that Bianca had forgiven whoever shot her. The incident, he said, had not dampened her enthusiasm for the voluntary work she carries out in Gaza. She went there last May to work for the International Solidarity Movement and expects to stay there for another three months.

Her work includes teaching English and writing about the Palestinian plight.

Prior to travelling to Gaza, she had spent two months in the West Bank.